Every year, Sri Lanka celebrates a multitude of festivals and celebrations that demonstrate its diverse heritage and cultural vibrancy. The most iconic celebrations are unmissable, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the very essence of Sri Lankan culture.
Festivities Throughout the Months
January - Thai Pongal
Thai Pongal, celebrated by the Tamil community, marks the start of the Tamil year and is dedicated to worshiping the sun. Families prepare traditional dishes such as pongal (sweet rice cooked with milk and spices) and hold prayers for a prosperous year.
April - Sinhala New Year
The Sinhala New Year, called Sinhala Avurudu, is a celebration marking the start of the year according to the Sinhala calendar. Families come together to perform traditional rituals, prepare festive foods and participate in folk games. At 11 p.m., as the new year approaches, fireworks and firecrackers light up every city garden to mark the arrival of this special occasion.
May - Vesak Poya
Vesak, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana (death) of the Buddha, is one of the most important Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka. The streets are lit with colorful lanterns, temples are decorated with flowers, and worshipers participate in processions and religious activities.
August - Esala Perahera
The Esala Perahera, one of Sri Lanka's grandest festivals, takes place in Kandy to honor the sacred Buddha tooth relic. Dazzling processions including decorated elephants, traditional dancers and acrobats travel the city streets for several days, providing a spectacular spectacle.
October - Navaratri
Navaratri, a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, is celebrated with devotion across the country. Devotees observe religious rituals, dance "dandiya raas" (folk dance with sticks) and participate in colorful parades to honor the goddess and celebrate the victory of good over evil.
December - Christmas
Although a minority, the Christian community of Sri Lanka celebrates Christmas with fervor. Churches are decorated with garlands and nativity scenes, the faithful attend midnight masses and share festive meals with family.
Full moon days
Full moon days, called "Poya", hold a special place in the Sri Lankan calendar. Each month's days are considered sacred in Buddhist tradition, providing worshipers with the opportunity to visit temples for meditation and prayers. Poya are also days of reflection and spiritual purification, where Sri Lankans engage in acts of charity and altruism. The temples are decorated with colorful lanterns and flags, creating an atmosphere of spirituality and serenity throughout the country. Full moon days thus offer an authentic experience of Sri Lankan culture and spirituality.
The public holidays calendar in 2024
Le Sri Lanka est consideré comme l'un des pays avec le plus de jours feriés au monde ! Il y en a pas moins d’un chaque mois avec les jours de pleine lune, les “Poya Day”.
January 2024
- January 15: Tamil Thai Pongal Day
- January 25: The full moon of Duruthu
February 2024
- February 4: National holiday
- February 23: The full moon of Navam
March 2024
- March 8: Mahasivarathri day (Hindu festival in honor of Shiva)
- March 24: The full moon of Madin
- March 29: Good Friday
April 2024
- April 12: Sinhalese and Tamil New Year's Eve.
- April 13: Sinhalese and Tamil New Year
- April 23: The full moon Bak
May 2024
- May 1: Labor Day
- May 23: The full moon of Vesak
- May 24: The day after the Vesak full moon
June 2024
- June 17: Id Ul-Alha
- June 21: The full moon of Poson (Celebration of the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka)
July 2024
- July 20: Esala Full Moon Poya Day
August 2024
- August 10 to 20: Esala Perahera in Kandy
- August 19: Nikini's full moon
September 2024
- September 16: Milad un-Nabi
- September 17: The full moon of Binara
October 2024
- October 17: The full moon of Vap
- October 31: Deepavali (One of the most important Tamil celebrations)
November 2024
- November 15: The full moon of Ill
December 2024
- December 14: The full moon of Unduvap
- December 25: Christmas
Sri Lanka offers an unparalleled cultural experience through its vibrant festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Whether you are fascinated by traditional dances, colorful street parades or sacred religious rituals, these events will allow you to experience the richness and diversity of Sri Lankan culture in an immersive way. Plan your trip around this calendar and immerse yourself in the magic of Sri Lanka's celebrations.