Festivals & Events

Thai Pongal

January 14–15·Nationwide (Hindu communities)

A harvest thanksgiving festival celebrated by Sri Lankan Tamils, honouring the Sun God with freshly cooked rice in decorated clay pots.

Visit Jaffna or Colombo Hindu temples to see the most vibrant celebrations.

Duruthu Perahera

January (Duruthu Poya)·Kelaniya, near Colombo

A grand procession at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya commemorating the Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka, featuring decorated elephants and Kandyan dancers.

Independence Day

February 4·Colombo (main ceremony)

Celebrates Sri Lanka's independence from British rule in 1948 with military parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and cultural performances.

Navam Perahera

February (Navam Poya)·Colombo

Colombo's grandest Buddhist procession around Gangaramaya Temple and Beira Lake, featuring over 50 decorated elephants and traditional dancers.

Maha Shivaratri

February/March (lunar calendar)·Nationwide (Hindu temples)

The great night of Lord Shiva, observed with all-night vigils, fasting, and special prayers at Hindu temples across the island.

Good Friday & Easter

March/April (variable)·Negombo, Colombo

Celebrated by Sri Lanka's Christian community with church services, passion plays, and Easter gatherings, particularly vibrant in Negombo.

Sinhala & Tamil New Year

April 13–14·Nationwide

Sri Lanka's most widely celebrated festival marking the traditional new year with family gatherings, traditional games, elaborate feasts, and rituals timed to astrological moments.

Many businesses close for up to a week. Book transport and accommodation well in advance.

May Day

May 1·Colombo (major rallies)

International Workers' Day marked with political rallies, parades, and public gatherings throughout the country.

Vesak

May (Vesak Poya)·Nationwide (Colombo spectacular)

Sri Lanka's grandest Buddhist festival celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. Streets glow with elaborate lanterns, pandols, and free food stalls (dansal).

Two public holidays. Colombo's Vesak zone around Gangaramaya is unmissable. Free food stalls are set up everywhere.

Poson

June (Poson Poya)·Mihintale & Anuradhapura

Commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Thousands of pilgrims flock to Mihintale and Anuradhapura for this deeply significant celebration.

Climb the 1,840 granite steps to Mihintale at dawn for a truly spiritual experience.

Kandy Esala Perahera

July/August (10 nights)·Kandy

Asia's grandest Buddhist pageant — a spectacular 10-night procession of over 100 decorated elephants, Kandyan dancers, fire performers, and whip crackers through the streets of Kandy.

Book Kandy accommodation months in advance. The final night (Randoli Perahera) is the most spectacular.

Kataragama Festival

July/August (2 weeks)·Kataragama (near Yala)

A multi-faith festival at the sacred Kataragama temple complex featuring fire-walking, kavadi (body piercing) rituals, and massive pilgrimages from all religions.

Combine with a safari at nearby Yala National Park.

Vel Festival

July/August·Colombo

Colombo's grand Hindu chariot procession carrying the sacred Vel (spear) of Lord Murugan from Pettah through the city streets.

Nallur Festival

August (25 days)·Jaffna

The grandest Hindu temple festival in Sri Lanka, held at the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in Jaffna with elaborate daily rituals, chariot processions, and traditional music.

A rare chance to experience Jaffna's vibrant Tamil Hindu culture at its peak.

Deepavali

October/November·Nationwide (Hindu communities)

The Hindu festival of lights celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, with oil lamps, fireworks, sweets, and family gatherings.

Christmas

December 25·Negombo, Colombo

Celebrated with midnight masses, nativity scenes, and festive decorations, especially vibrant in Negombo ("Little Rome") and Colombo.

Eid al-Fitr

Variable (end of Ramadan)·Nationwide (Muslim communities)

Marks the end of Ramadan with communal prayers, feasts, and gift-giving in Muslim communities, particularly vibrant on the east coast.

Eid al-Adha

Variable (lunar calendar)·Nationwide (Muslim communities)

The Festival of Sacrifice, observed with special prayers, charitable giving, and communal meals in Muslim communities across Sri Lanka.

Milad-un-Nabi

Variable (lunar calendar)·Nationwide (Muslim communities)

Celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday with special prayers, processions, and charitable acts at mosques across the country.