Festivals In
Sri Lanka
January
Duruthu Poya
Duruthu Poya comes every year on the month of January. Poya day is a Buddhist public holiday in Sri Lanka, there are twelve Poya days for a year and each Poya day commemorates significant event in Buddhist legend. Generally sale of alcohol and meat are forbidden on Poya days and People occupy in religious activities. Duruthu Poya Day is observed as the Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka to accept the invitation by the God Sumana Saman the guardian God of Sri- Pada ( Adams Peak) , it is consider as most important incident in the Buddhist history in Sri Lanka. And accordance with the ancient chronicles, the Buddha had handed over the God Sumana Saman a hair relic when he begged Thathagatha to give something to worship on His first visit to the island.
Thai Pongal
The whole Tamil population of the world celebrates Thai Pongal on the month of January normally it falls between 12th and 15th January and one of the longest celebration in the Tamil calendar. The Tamil festival of Thai Pongal is a thanks giving ceremony in which the farmers celebrate the event to thank the spirits of nature spirit and It is a harvest festival celebrated by Tamils in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Indian Union Territory of Puducherry and in Sri Lanka, the Sun and the farm animals for their assistance in providing a successful harvest. Overall, it is a festival to encourage social cohesiveness and unite people by bringing them together in a common function.
Thai Ponggal (Tamil: தைப்பொங்கல்) is a harvest festival celebrated by Tamils in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Indian Union Territory of Puducherry and in Sri Lanka. Pongal coincides with the festival Makara Sankranthi celebrated throughout India. Pongal in Tamil means "boiling over" or "spill over." The boiling over of milk in the clay pot symbolizes material abundance for the household. Thai Pongal, celebrated at harvest time, is traditionally intended to thank the Sun God and farmstead livestock that helped create the material abundance. And it is the longest celebration in the Tamil calendar falls between 12th and 15th January. Also it is thanks giving ceremony in which the farmers celebrate the event to thank the spirits of nature.
Kala Pola
Kala Pola” which begun in 1993 with only 35 artists, is Colombo's grandest and highly popular annual one day open air Art Festival which promotes art as a rewarding and professional career; displays work of art by upcoming and prominent painters island-wide
Kala Pola” which begun in 1993 with only 35 artists, is Colombo city's grandest and most-awaited annual one day Street Art Festival, showcases masterpieces by upcoming and prominent painters and sculptors from all over Sri Lanka.
Presented by the George Keyt Foundation, "Kala Pola" is a key platform for artists and sculptors to launch and boost their careers in Sri Lanka. Not only does it help them build a steady clientele, but also promotes art as a lucrative and professional career. Many “Kala Pola” artists have been successful and have gone onto launch careers in the international arena.
Galle Literary Festival Annual
Festival-goers, Art lovers discoverer and explored the literary as well as the image, architectural, and even botanical arts at Galle fort each year. Galle is known for its rich colonial heritage. At the end of January, writers, experts and free-thinkers come together, once again in the unique world heritage site of Galle Fort, to share their experiences. The Festival is presented to you in association with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau. One of the earliest literary festivals on the festival circuit calendar, Audiences will experience confrontation of intellect and entertainment in the most relaxed and peaceful circumstances.
Duruthu Perahara in Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya
The Duruthu Perahera festival at the Kelaniya Temple in Colombo celebrates the anniversary of the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka more than 2500 years ago; it held on the full moon day of January and Kelaniya Duruthu perahera is second only to Kandy Sri Dalada Maligawa Esala Perahera. It should be mentioned that while Kandy Sri Dalada Maligawa perahera continues for ten days Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera is confined to three days and a limited area is covered on the first two days. It is the most magnificent low country perahera and can be compared well with Kandy Sri Dalada Maligawa Esala perahera . It attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the sacred Kelaniya Temple and It comprises three perahera (processions) featuring costumed actors, dancers, musicians, devotees dressed in white and elephants.Three colorful processions are staged, with dancers, drummers, musicians and actors and include the handing over of a sacred casket, elephants then carry the casket. Devotees are all dressed in white.
February
National Day
The independence day of Sri Lanka is a great national occasion celebrated with parades and pageants combined with the spirit of loyalty and national pride. The celebrations begin with the hoisting of the national flag and singing the national anthem at the Independence Square in Colombo, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony. Subsequently there are various cultural programs displaying on the streets of Colombo.
The independence day of Sri Lanka is a great national occasion celebrated with parades and pageants combined with the spirit of patriotism and national pride. The celebrations begin with the hoisting of the national flag and singing the national anthem, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony. Subsequently there are various cultural programs as well as serving of refreshments. And it has a great history. The history that go back towards 4th Feb 1948. Prior to the year 1972, Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon. For more than a century Sri Lanka was a British crown colony but on 4 February, 1948 the country achieved its independence to officially become the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Don Stephen Senanayake became Sri Lanka's first Prime Minister.
Elephant Polo Tournament (annual)
Elephant polo is an alternative of polo played whilst riding elephants. It is popular outdoor sport in Southern Asian countries; Equipment consists of a standard polo ball and six to nine foot cane (similar to bamboo) sticks with a polo mallet head on the end. Elephant Polo tournament held in Galle annually under the auspices of the Ceylon Elephant Polo Association.
Donald Steel Golf Tournament in Kandy
In January 1999, the inaugural Donald Steel Trophy was played on the occasion of the opening of the Victoria Golf Club. This has become an annual event and The Ebert Pot, The Pam Fernando Trophy and the Victoria Bowl have been added to this golfing weekend, the last two events being for ladies. The popularity of this truly amateur, annual tournament has broaden with golfers from as far away as Canada and New Zealand making the effort to participate and enjoy the highest levels of sportsmanship combined with the exceptional hospitality .The Donald Steel Golf tournament is acknowledged as one of the leading competitive events on the Sri Lanka Golf Calendar. The competition attracted over 100 players from about 15 countries last year. .
The Donald Steel Golf Championship was the first golf championship to be held at this beautiful golf course in 1999 after it was opened to the golfers in 1998. This golf course was the vision of former planter and sportsman late Mark Bostock. Over 300 years ago, this was a Dutch farm and later the British converted into a mixed plantation. This has become an annual event and The Ebert Pot, The Pam Fernando Trophy and the Victoria Bowl have been added to this golfing weekend, the last two events being for ladies. The popularity of this truly amateur, annual tournament has broaden with golfers from as far away as Canada and New Zealand making the effort to participate and enjoy the highest levels of sportsmanship combined with the exceptional hospitality. Also this golf championship is sponsored by Carlsburg and co-sponsored by Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and Finlays.
Gangaramaya Navam Perahera
Navam Perahera Festival in Colombo is a famous parade that draws tourists and visitors from across the country. It held at Gangaramaya temple at hunupitiya in Colombo. It comprises of fascinating elephants, dancers and musicians stunning by vivid and elegant outfits walk around streets during this grand and pretentious parade in Colombo, Sri Lanka through two nights. It provides breathtaking and splendid sight of the Sri Lankan traditional celebrations. Navam Perahera is a festival of colour, entertainment and excitement speaks a lot about the local fervor and traditions of music. The streets of Colombo transform under the weight of 100 colourful elephants during Februarys full moon. The Navam Perahera, which started in 1979, attracts more than a million spectators every year to the Gangaramaya Temple. Colombo, this pageant hosts hundred colorfully decked elephants parading the show on a full moon in February.
Navam Perahera Festival in Colombo is a famous parade that draws tourists and visitors from across the country. You will find elephants, dancers and musicians taking to the streets during this grand and pompous parade in Colombo in Sri Lanka through two nights.
Planned by Gangaramaya Temple overlooking the banks of the picturesque Beira Lake at Hunupitiya in Colombo, this pageant hosts hundred colorfully decked elephants parading the show on a full moon in February. History says that Navam Perahera Festival in Colombo was initiated in 1979 and hundreds of visitors flock to this temple every year since then to look at the amazing sight of herds of elephants walking down the road in their best of bright and pompous fineries. Navam Perahera Festival of color, fun and excitement speaks a lot about the local fervor and traditions of music.
The streets of Colombo transform under the weight of 100 colourful elephants during February's full moon. Since 1979, the Navam Maha Perahera has annually attracted more than a million spectators to the Gangaramaya Temple, at Hunupitiya by picturesque Beira Lake.
The event usually has as many as 1000 performers. The fearsome kas karayas inaugurate the processions by cracking their whips in the air, while schoolchildren scurry behind, carrying colourful flags.
Plenty of noise is contributed by percussion bands, conch shell blowers, stilt-walkers, flautists and drummers, but the real guests of honour are the elephants, visiting from all over the island.
March
Maha Sivarathri
MahaSivaratri is celebrated on the 6th night of the dark Phalgun (Feb or March) every year. On the auspicious day, devotees observe fast and offer fruits, flowers and bel leaves on Shiva Linga Mahashivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava'. The festival is observed for one day and one night only.
Maha Shivratri or Maha Sivaratri or Shivaratri or Sivarathri (Great Night of Shiva or Night of Shiva) is a festival celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maagha (as per Shalivahana or Gujarati Vikrama) or Phalguna (as per Vikrama) in the Hindu Calendar (that is, the night before and day of the new moon). The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to the Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all night long vigil. Cannabis is traditionally used as an offering for Lord Shiva and his followers. Per scriptural and discipleship traditions, the penances are performed in order to gain boons in the practice of Yoga and meditation, in order to reach the goal more swiftly and avoid rebirth.
Galle International Film Festival
The coastal town of Galle and its magnificent fort will play host to Sri Lanka’s initial international film festival. The festival will be a five day show. The Galle Film Festival aims to provide a forum where film can be appreciated and discovered. Through various activities ranging from screenings to workshops, you will able to explore the role of films in changing human values, minds and behaviour.
The coastal town of Galle will play host to Sri Lanka’s inaugural international film festival. The festival will be a five day extravaganza during which time upto 40 Sri Lankan, South Asian and International Films will be screened. The Galle Film Festival aims to provide a forum where film can be appreciated and discovered. Through various activities ranging from screenings to workshops, you will able to explore the role of films in changing human values, minds and behavior. The main screening programme titled Cinema 1 will examine a variety of genre, including cutting edge Sri Lankan cinema, award winning.
April
Sri Lankan New Year
Sinhala and Tamil New Year occasionally fall on the 13th and 14th April. These are the most important dates in Sri Lanka's cultural calendar. Celebration of Sinhala & Tamil New Year may officially lasts for about seven days; Cooking and eating the New Year meal and almost everything else has to be done at the auspicious time. People, young and old, take part in religious celebrations as a thanksgiving for a year of bountiful harvest.This celebration is a time when people wear their best or newly bought dress, traditional Sri Lankan food is served which are shared by family members and the visiting relatives. Coconut-based sweets and delicacies are also popular during the holiday. Great number of Sri Lankan families in major cities and towns across the country usually stay in hotels and eat in restaurants to celebrate the New Year. Fireworks be plentiful and lit up the sky at night.
Whales and Dolphin spotting in Mirissa
Sri Lanka is becoming a major spot for watching Whales and Dolphins. West coast in locations from Alankuda beach in Kalpitiya, Mirissa or Dondra Point of down south, east coast of Trincomalee in Sri Lanka is the main ports of Whale and Dolphin watching in Sri Lanka. Whale and dolphin sightings are additionally available in the western coastal cities of Alutgama, Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa.
Whale Watching at Mirissa
The seas off the coast of Mirissa offers a once in a life time opportunity for visitors as it is currently becoming a major hotspot for spotting Whales and Dolphins. The main port of Sri Lanka for watching whales and dolphins is Dondra Point of down south because it is located closely to their migration path. The season for sighting these mammals are during the months of November to April, out of which December, January and April are the peak months, during these months the probability of spotting sperm whales and blue whales are very high moreover the chances of spotting Spinner Dolphins off Dondra point are also high. There are two vessels that make the four hour excursion, these vessels travel up to 15 nautical miles to obtain a closer view
April Season in Nuwaraeliya
Each year during month of April most local and international tourists visit Nuwara-Eliya to enjoy the beauty of greeny nature and festive season enrich with carnivals, exhibitions, tournaments, games and variety of races. Based on this crowd, lots of entertaining events are organized as more local tourists rush to nuwaraeliya to enjoy the cool breeze and greenery site. The Mini Season of Nuwara-Eliya is celebrated on the month August. Most of the events which organized in the April Season is organized during the Mini Season also, especially the Road Races and Motor sports events.
- Horse Race
- Summer fair Carnival
- Badminton Games
- Table Tennis tournaments
- Book Sells
- Hill climb Race
- Pro-Cart race
- Flat Race
- Environment exhibitions
- Cricket tournaments
- Art Exhibitions
- Jeep Race
- Snooker Tournament
During the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, celebrations in April herald the “season” for Nuwara Eliya, another tradition that stretches back to the British colonial period. Colombo’s resident flock to the hills for the holidays to escape the pre-monsoon heat. The 10-day holiday period includes horse races, motocross rallies, flower exhibitions, concerts and revelry late into the night. Several golf tournaments including the Stable Ford Competition for Ladies and Gents are held at the challenging Nuwara Eliya Golf Club during April. Motor Races include the Mahagastota and Radella Hill Climbs.
Surfing in Arugum Bay from May to October 2011
Arugam Bay Tourism Association (ABTA) was established in 1999, and was formally registered in 2005. Arugam Bay is on the list of the top ten surf points in the world.Situated on the South East side of Sri Lanka, the best time of the year is between May and November when the predominant wind is offshore for at least the first half of the day. The surf in Sri Lanka is there on the whole south coast. The local surfers are pretty good and are getting more and more aggro towards foreigners each season,
Arugam Bay is on the list of the top ten surf points in the world. Situated on the South East side of Sri Lanka Arugam Bay receives the same Antarctic winter swell's that hit Indonesia in the in the middle of the year. The best time of the year is between May and November when the predominant wind is offshore for at least the first half of the day. Also Arugam bay is one of the beautiful beaches in the world. And the local surfers are pretty good and are getting more and more aggro towards foreigners each season,
May
Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
Vesak is an annual holiday observed by practicing Buddhists in many Asian countries; festival, which is celebrated with high enthusiasm and elaborate preparations. On Vesak Day, Buddhists world over commemorate the triple anniversary of Gauthama Buddha. Birth, Enlightenment and Buddhist people generally go to the temple and participate in the traditional ceremonies whole day and reconfirm their determination to follow the teachings of Buddha. The Buddhists of Sri Lanka, decorate their houses, court yards, streets and public places using brightful lanterns and vesak pandals elaborating greatness of Buddhist teaching and lord budda’s life. In addition, they arrange various cultural events to bring happiness to everyone on that day equally. These highly creative decors attract thousands of tourists to those locations on the month of Vesak.
June
Poson in Mihintale and Anuradhapura
Festival celebrated in Sri Lanka on the full moon day of June. It commemorates the first arrival of Buddhism in the island following the conversion of King Devānampiya Tissa by Mahinda, the son of Emperor Aśoka. Anuradhapura and mihinthale are the main sites for poson celebrations. During the festival, thousands of white-clad pilgrims climb the stairs to the top of Mihintale. As vesak people decorate their houses, court yards, streets and public places using brightful lanterns and pandals elaborating greatness of Buddhist teaching and lord budda’s life. In addition, they arrange various cultural events to bring happiness to everyone on that day equally. These highly creative decors attract thousands of tourists to those locations on the month of Poson also.
July
Kataragam Perahara from July to August
The Katharagama festival is one of Major Esala Festival comprise of colourful public displays of procession of annual pageant and fire walking. Kataragama is in the South-East corner of the island; it is a jungle shrine dedicated to God Skanda and is a popular pilgrim centre for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the Vedda. Pilgrims take a sacred bath in the Manik Ganga (or Manika Gangai, River of Gems). The annual pageant includes whip crackers, fire dancers; with troupes of dancers and drummers in colourful traditional costumes; torch bearers and many caparisoned elephants. And the first Perahera of the Ruhunu-Kataragama Maha Devalaya will commence parading the streets in the evening and the Aluth Athu Paladana ceremony will commence on the 27th morning with the participation of the Ruhunu-Kataragama Maha Devale Basnayake Nilame Sasheendra Kumara Rajapaksa.
The fire walking ceremony will take place on August 3. Maha Perahera will parade the streets on August 5 followed by Diya Kapeema (water cutting ceremony) on August 6 in the Menik Ganga.
Kandy Esala Perahara from July to August
The most famous of all these festivals is the Kandy Esala Perahera which enrich with a spectacular medieval day pageant holding for 10 nights. There are fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian dances and various other cultural dances with vibrant traditional costumes pleasantly decorated. The elephants are usually adorned with lavish garments. Esala perahara is a grand festival known as the festival of the tooth which has become unique symbol of Sri Lanka. The Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a temple in the city of Kandy in Sri Lanka. It was built within the royal palace complex which houses a relic of the Buddha, a tooth, which is venerated by Buddhists...
Esala Perahera (the festival of the tooth) is the grand festival of Esala held in Sri Lanka. It is very grand with elegant costumes. Happening in July or August in Kandy, it has become a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist festival consisting of dances and nicely decorated elephants. There are fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian dances and various other cultural dances. The elephants are usually adorned with lavish garments. The festival ends with the traditional 'diya-kepeema'. And there are 3 kinds of pageants Kumbala Perahara, Randoli Perahara and Diya kapeema Perahara.
Nallur Festival in Jaffna
Longest festival in Sri Lanka, Nallur was the capital of the old Jaffna kingdom where places of political, religious and cultural importance were built. These include the old Sankiliyan palace, Arumuga Navalar Adheenam, Chellappa Swami samadhi and Nallur Kumaran Temple to name a few. More than devotees 40,000 flock to the Nallur Kumaran Kovil to celebrate the Nallur festival annually. The highlight of the festival is the Ther Chariot festival held in honour of the Lord Shanmuga.
More than 50,000 devotees have joined the Annual Festival of the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna.
The Festival starts six days after the arrival of the new moon annually and continues for 26 days. A large number of devotees are participating in the Festival due to the peaceful environment prevailing in the country. The Nallur Chariot Festival was held yesterday and thousands of devotees joined in the procession.
Bellanvila Temple Perahara from July to August – The annual Bellanwila Esala Perahera is another grand festival occurs at the bellanwila Raja Maha Vihara, Colombo under the guidance of Ven Bellanvila Wimalaratana Thera. Elegant and colorful perahara parade in the streets for days and people celebrate the festivity of event for days with full of excitement and harmony.
Hikkaduwa Beach Festival at the end of July – Hikkaduwa Beach Festival is the biggest beach festival take place in Sri Lanka annually. Young people around the world gather to Hikkaduwa beach on the month of July to celebrate untamed nights of festival and enjoy the stunning tropical sunsets, palm fringed beaches and breathtaking view of a deep blue ocean with untouched coral reefs.
Esala Poya Day
Esala Poya day commemorates the deliverance of the first sermon to the five ascetics and setting in motion the Wheel of the Dhamma (Dhammachakka) at Sarnath Benares, India. This is public holiday and rituals take place similar to other Poya days.
August
Festivals dedicated to various Hindu Lords/vel festivals in Colombo
This is known as Sri Lanka's main Hindu festival; Hindu Vel Festival Colombo reflects the unique religious history and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Colombo's Vel Festival sees God Murugan's silver-plated chariot and vel (spear) drawn by a pair of bulls in a parade across the city. The event commemorates the victory of Sri Murugan over the forces of evil.A procession of multi-coloured umbrellas, caparisoned elephants, dancers and musicians snakes through the mass of worshippers. Drums resound, bells tinkle and the Tanjore band plays as a party of devotees follows the chariot in a wave of divine songs by smashing coconuts, lighting joss sticks and burning camphor in Colombo streets adding the sacredness of the occasion.
Vel is a Hindu festival dedicated to the War God Skandha. On the occasion of Vel towns in Sri Lanka take on blissful atmosphere. Processions are taken with a colorful Vel chariot. In Colombo the procession marches from the Sea Street temple to Bambalapitiya temple and back.
Elephant Gathering
One of the most awesome wildlife spectacles takes place at the lake minneriya, Sri Lanka. Over three hundred wild Asian elephants congregate for the gathering climaxing joy of Sri Lankan wild life and attracting thousands of tourists and providing wonderful opportunity to wild life enthusiasts to feel wonders of natural gifts. Minneriya tank locate in the north central province of Sri Lanka, which is famous destination for elephant watching. The ‘Gathering’ is one of the most unforgettable and fantastic events in the international wildlife calendar that nowhere else can be found such a high concentration of wild Asian Elephants gathering.
The Gathering is one of the most popular nature related attractions in Sigiriya and presents the chance to follow the powerful and yet gentle Elephants that inhabit this region of the country. While serving as a tourist attraction the Gathering is actually part of a conservation effort.
Taking place during June and October each year, which marks the beginning of the dry season brings about an environmentally change that also affects the behaviour of elephants in the region. In the preceding months the Minneriya Tank (reservoir) fills up with water and recedes during the dry season though it never empties.
Due to this need for water, wild elephants from various areas including the Somawathi Sanctuary, Wasgamuwa and Kantale allow migrate to the Minneriya Park to take advantage of the available water. Additionally in areas where the water level has receded, fresh vegetation is left behind which is eaten by the elephants. The Minneriya Gathering is actually the largest such gathering of elephants in all of Asia.
Travellers to Sri Lanka can partake in a jeep safari that will take them as close as possible to the elephants during this time without actually disturbing them. This presents a rare opportunity to observe the behaviour of these gentle creatures in the wild. It is a sight like no other to watch these large and majestic creatures make the long trek across to get to the Minneriya Tank.
September
Ramazan Festival Day
Ramadan, also known as 'Rorda Mas' and Eid festival, is one of the most important feasts for Muslim people. It has a lot of religious reverence which falls on the month of fasting, in which the Muslims observe 30 days of fasting and ends up on the Ramadan day. Depending upon the lunar cycle, the exact time period of Ramadan varies from year to year. In Sri Lanka, minority of Muslim community congregate to celebrate Eid at special spaces just alienated to them. There are lots of excitements surrounding the celebration of Ramadan festival. Eid is a public holiday and is celebrated island wide. It is even common for non-Muslims to visit their Muslim friends and neighbors on Eid to convey their good wishes.
Ramadan (also Ramadhan, Ramadaan, Ramazan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and sexual relations from dawn until sunset.[1] Fasting is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility, and spirituality. It is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God (Arabic: الله, trans: Allah) and to offer more prayer than usual. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. As compared to the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards about eleven days each year depending on the moon. Muslims believe Ramadan to be an auspicious month for the revelations of God to humankind, being the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Islamic prophet, Muhammad.
Art Biennale
Colombo Art Biennale is dazzling with modern art on September. The intention is to bring artists together to work in pursuit of harmony giving a great opportunity for art lovers all over the world to gather into the Colombo. Artists in Sri Lanka have something to share--an expression of the challenges of their daily lives-- deepened by the rich, mystical history of the country. There will be a map route of several other Art Biennale destinations to visit around the city that include galleries, museums, cultural centers, street art and studios. For five days the Colombo’s Biennale aims to encourage and show contemporary art from Sri Lanka.
October
Deepavali Festival Day
Deepavali is usually celebrated in October or November, and is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals by Tamil community. There is a legend associated with this festival commemorating the return of Rama from exile and the triumph of light over darkness; good over evil. Deepavali celebrated with great joy, lighting rows of oil lamps, divas, candles to earn blessings of god, burn fire crackers and sweet meals are enjoyed and gifts are distributed among friends and relatives.
Diwali (also spelled Devali in certain regions) or Deepavali,[1] popularly known as the "festival of lights", is an important five-day festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. Deepavali is an official holiday in India,[2] Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore,[3] and Fiji.
November
Hadji Festival Day
Id Ul Adha or Hadji Festival (the Festival of Sacrifice) is a public and bank holiday in Sri Lanka. Muslims all over the world celebrate this signifying honour to the prophet Abraham willingness to sacrifice his son as a proof of his loyalty to God. Celebrations usually include presenting an animal (usually a cow or a sheep) sacrifice, and the meat is shared with family, friends and those in needs.
Eid al-Adha or "Festival of Sacrifice" or "Greater Eid" is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Isma'il) as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead. The meat is divided into three parts to be distributed to others. The family retains one third of the share, another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors, and the other third is given to the poor & needy.
Eid al-Adha is the latter of two Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims, whose basis comes from Sura 2 (Al-Baqara) Ayah 196 in the Qur'an. Like Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha begins with a Wajib prayer of two Raka'ah (units) followed by a sermon (khuṭbah).
The word "Eid" appears in Sura al-Mai'da ("The Table Spread," Chapter 5) of the Qur'an, meaning 'solemn festival'.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated annually on the 10th day of the 12th and the last Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah (ذو الحجة) of the lunar Islamic calendar. Eid al-Adha celebrations start after the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat. The date is approximately 70 days (2 Months & 10 days) after the end of the month of Ramadan, i.e. Eid-ul-Fitr. Ritual observance of the holiday lasts until sunset of the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Spice Festival Annually
The event exhibit the culinary expertise from around the world attracting more than 10,000 attracting more than 10,000 visitors to the capital of Colombo annually to taste the flavor of the world. The festival will bring together the a variety of delectable cuisines ranging from Indian, South African, Malaysian, Indonesian, Philippine, Italian, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, Mediterranean, Singaporean, Chinese, Egyptian and Sri Lankan specialties making it an ideal opportunity for both locals and tourists to enjoy different palates from around the world. The spice food festival is celebrated to keep the world informed that Sri Lanka continues to have this very unique attraction for the visitors, to savour the spice cuisine of the World under single roof.“
December
Adam’s Peak: Sri Pada Pilgrimage Season
In the month of December commencing for the three-month pilgrimage season to Sri Pada (The Footprint of Buddha) or Adam's Peak (The footprint of Adam – the first man in the Koran and Bible). Pilgrims normally climb overnight, starting in the early hours at about 1 is, and watch the sunrise from the summit. At the top of mountain there is an opportunity to view the site of the sacred footprint and breathtaking scenery of sun rise. There is a light footpath all the way up, with steps which can be uneven in places.
Adam’s Peak is Sri Lanka’s holiest mountain and is claimed by most of the country’s religions as the site where Adam/Buddha/Shiva/St Thomas came to earth. Every good Buddhist is expected to make a pilgrimage to its peak at least once in their life to see the “Sacred Footprint”, a 1.8 metre imprint at the summit. This year’s pilgrim season begins December 20th, 2010 on the Unduwap Full Moon Poya Day and continues till Vesak Full Moon Poya Day in 2011; it is the only pilgrim season in the country that lasts six months.
National Bird Month
The month of December has declared as national bird month of the year as there are varieties of birds fly towards tropical countries to feel the warmth and sunny. There are variety of birds flock to jungle areas in Sri Lanka providing imaginative view to tourists displaying essence and beauty of wild life in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is home to many colorful birds. Over 400 birds including 33 endemics and 200 migrants have been observed on Sri Lankan soil. The Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL) the national affiliate of BirdLife International declared the month of December as the National Bird Month.
December is the peak of the Bird Migration season and will record the highest number of birds. Many activities are being organised to educate the public on the subject of birds . Participants can simply go out bird-watching to as many places as possible. Make a list of species seen and mail it to fogsl. This data can be fed online and will be later analyzed and used for conservation purposes.
Christmas Day
Christmas day observed generally on December 25th to commemorate the birth of Jesus, all the Christians in the world celebrate this event enchantingly with the pride of eternity of Jesus teaching. Preparations for Christmas in Sri Lanka start several weeks prior to the festival similar to other countries in the world and celebrations remain for several days island wide. The festive sound of firecrackers at the dawn of December 1st is the first sign of intimation that Christmas in round the corner. Christmas spirit and can be seen everywhere- on every face of Christian and non Christian. Christmas tree is the unique symbol that highlight the festivity of Christmas; Christmas parties and get-togethers occur from every house to restaurants and luxurious hotels.
The Christian population in Sri Lanka is much less compared to Buddhists or Hindus on the island. But in spite of a small community of practicing Christians (around 7%) the preparation for Christmas Festival in Sri Lanka begin weeks before. From the early morning of 1st December, fire crackers are burst ringing in the festive spirit or festive season. Every Christian household, be it in the city or in the rural areas wake up at dawn of the first day of the month of December to perform the first ritualistic task of the month of merry making. Christmas Festival in Sri Lanka is not only celebrated by the Christians but the festival is a major celebratory event with the non Christians too.
It is not possible to exactly pinpoint the year of commencement of Christmas Festival in Sri Lanka. But perhaps the very first celebration of this festival was introduced by the Portuguese who ruled Sri Lanka from 1505 AD to 1650 AD. Colonial rule continued with the Dutch (1658 AD to 1796 AD) and the British (1815 AD to 1948 AD).