Sri Lanka, a beautiful island nation, is blessed with many festivals during any given year. While it is true that they are predominantly religious based, it is wonderful to watch and participate in them.

As the majority of Sri Lankans are Buddhists, most of the festivals are based on Buddhism. As Christmas is for Christians, Wesak is for Buddhists. Celebrated in May, it signifies the day Lord Buddha was born, he attained Buddhahood, as Guatama Buddha, and the day he passed away. Going to the temple, observing sil, a form of quiet contemplation, is done during Wesak, the real highlight of the festival from a visitor’s point of view is when the entire island is lit up at night, with paper lanterns created especially for the festival. .

Traffic comes to a virtual standstill as major and minor roads turn into impromptu flashlight displays. Creations typically range from the simple to the highly elaborate, as people compete to outdo each other. It is a sight to behold and well worth experiencing as many Sri Lankan hotels are lit up for the occasion.

Another interesting festival in Sri Lanka is the Sinhala Tamil New Year celebration, known simply as Avurudu, which is celebrated in April. It takes place in April as it is a time of prosperity for the efficiently agricultural nation, a time when the harvest is harvested. A truly traditional Avurudu celebration would involve eating kiribath (rice pudding) and other sweets at the auspicious time given by family members, after which money is exchanged to bring prosperity for the coming year. People participate in traditional games and playing drums or rabbana. Hotels in Sri Lanka have special events organized to celebrate Avurudu where guests can partake in rituals and food.

For Sri Lankans, full moon days have a special religious value and are often public holidays. Duruthu poya is in January and marks the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka. A perahera, which is a unique symbol of Sri Lanka, is held in Kelaniya, about 10km from the capital Colombo. This perahera or parade is a colorful event with traditional dancers and richly adorned elephants that are sure to captivate and captivate the senses.

Poson poya falls in June every year and is marked as the day Buddhism was introduced to the country. Mihintale and Anuradhapura are the places to be during this season.

The famous Kandy perahara is an experience not to be missed. It takes place in August during the Esala full moon, so the perahara is also known as the Kandy Esala perahera. The main attraction is the tooth relic of Dalada Maligawa. Sri Lankan hotels are packed with tourists and local visitors during this time and often help organize tickets and other essentials for the event.

Hinduism has become so integrated into Sri Lankan culture that you find Hindu gods in Buddhist temples and the Kataragama devale is the perfect melting pot of the two. Hindu devotees visit seeking the protection of the God Skanda to whom the devale is dedicated. Buddhists visit the Kiri Vehera stupa within the devale compound, which is said to be one of the sixteen places visited in Sri Lanka by the Buddha. Visit during the time of the Kataragama festival and be privileged to witness Hindu devotees fulfill their vows with fire walking and drilling. A rarer sight would be a devotee hanging from a scaffolding with hooks.

Christmas is also celebrated in Sri Lanka on a grand scale with Sri Lankan hotels providing guests with an authentic Christmas away from home. The capital especially displays all its splendor in honor of the birth of Christ.