Sri Lanka is an enchanting island blessed with a harmonious blend of culture and religion. Its festivals are joyful and depict the traditions and values of its people. As a tourist, you can get an opportunity to explore the cultures and traditions of the people of Sri Lanka through these celebrations. Whether lighting lamps during Diwali or the colourful processions during Vesak Poya, every festival is different.
This blog takes a look at the 12 most cheerful festivals that take place in Sri Lanka.
12 Colorful Festivals in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a country of diverse people and cultures, and its festivals reflect this in the best way. During the year, there are various occasions when people come out and celebrate together, whether it is religious gatherings or the harvest season. Below are 12 distinctive colourful festivals celebrated in Sri Lanka to show the ethnic diversity of the country:
- Thai Pongal Festival – January
Thai Pongal is a traditional harvest festival of Tamil people that spans four days and is usually celebrated in mid-January. Families cook a dish lovingly referred to as the ‘Pongal’ with fresh rice, milk, and sugar to please the Sun God for conducive climatic conditions for good produce. People paint their homes with “Kolam” (a rice flour painting technique) and cows, which are considered sacred animals in Hinduism, are also honoured.
- Navam Perahera – February
Navam Perahera, celebrated in Colombo, is another popular Buddhist ceremony. It is a festival in honour of the first Buddhist congregation of the Buddha. The highlight is floats in the form of a carnival, with people dressed in traditional costumes, playing traditional musical instruments, dancing, and fire performances. Large crowds flock to be part of this colorful procession right in the middle of the city.
- Maha Shivaratri – March
The Maha Shivaratri is one of the festivals in Sri Lanka that the Hindus undertake most respectfully as it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. People pray, fast, and meditate to take a break from everyday life’s activities. Devotees celebrate this event throughout the country where there are lots of rituals and offerings done.
- Sinhala and Tamil New Year – April
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is another festival that is observed in mid-April, which is the end of harvest festival also. It includes food preparation of traditional types of sweets, folk games, and other rituals performed by the family members. The event highlights unity between the two communities namely the Sinhalese and the Tamils and also represents the victory of the ‘new year’ over the evil ‘Rahu’.
- Vesak Poya Festival – May
One of the festivals observed by Buddhists is Vesak Poya, which honours the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Reflections of light on the island are lanterns and decorations and prayers and offerings in the temples. Contributing food and drinks are excellent examples of gestures that relate to the concept of a festival.
- Poson Full Moon Gala – June
Poson Full Moon night is in June and the event marks the conferment of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. People from all over Sri Lanka and other parts of the world visit Anuradhapura as well as Mihintale to worship. Homes and streets are decked up and people observe fast on the occasion. It is a time for reflecting on the values of compassion and mindfulness taught by Buddhism.
- Kataragama Festival – July
The most important festival is the Kataragama Festival which takes place in July in the Kataragama temple, dedicated to the God Skanda. Both the Hindu and Buddhist followers take part in the two-week-long event. There are dances and fire-walking and processions with people coming even from India to attend the celebrations.
- Colombo Aadi Vel Festival – July
Aadi Vel Festival in Colombo is the majestic Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan’s spear (Vel) is also celebrated through a chariot with music and dance troupes. This colorful occasion brings out the people in celebration of the pride of the Tamil race.
- Esala Perahera – August
Esala Perahera also of Kandy unfurls a 10-day procession to commemorate the ‘Tooth of Buddha’. Elements that make the festival memorable include dancers, fire breathers, drummers, and elephants decorated with ornamental attire. The cultural show symbolically involves a tusker elephant, which carries the golden casket, as the dominant figure of the event.
- Diwali – October/November
Diwali is known as the festival of lights as it symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. People at home use oil lamps, wonderful Rangoli on the floors, exchange sweets, and burst firecrackers. Although it is a Hindu festival, Diwali in Sri Lanka is solemnly celebrated by other communities in the country.
- Holi – March
This spring festival of India, also known as the festival of colour is gradually entering the Sri Lankan island, especially in the regions inhabited by Hindus. Groups come to parties or places to throw colorus at each other, dance to the tunes, and eat favourite foods. Holi in Sri Lanka unites people with cheerful emotions and a merry disposition.
- Christmas – December
Though primarily a Christian festival, Christmas is enjoyed by all in Sri Lanka with people participating in the celebrations. The streets are illuminated with lights and the churches hold Christmas masses. Christmas is the season of goodwill, wherein people share gifts and express the true virtues of love and harmony.
Conclusion
Festivals are widely celebrated in Sri Lanka, giving a glance of the different colorus of the country and its culture and religions practices. From the Esala Perahera festival to the colorful illuminations of Diwali and Holi, there are numerous Sri Lanka famous festivals. These not only unite people but also allow visitors to access the spirit of Sri Lankan life and culture.
Remember to get travel insurance when visiting Sri Lanka to financially safeguard yourself against unexpected situations.