Joanna James
Being a country with such a diverse number of ethnicities and religions, Sri Lanka has an incredibly rich and diverse culture. Here are some things you may not have known about this culture.
Sri Lanka was first colonized by the Portuguese. Following their reign, the Dutch took over the rule of the country. Finally, the British fought and won against the Dutch, and colonized the country for the longest period out of the three. Their influence can be seen all over the Sri Lankan culture. Food such as lamprais, now considered a Sri Lankan staple, was introduced by the Dutch. Words such as 'almariya' in Sinhala, meaning armoire, came from European colonizers. The effect can also be seen in the architecture of many historical Sri Lankan buildings, notably the Racecourse plaza and Town Hall in Colombo. This colonial influence is now part and parcel of the rich culture of Sri Lanka.
Should you visit the country during the Vesak or Poson months, you will find many 'dansal' on the streets. These are stalls that give out free food to anyone who asks, regardless of religion. If you stay in hotels in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, or any other area with religious sites, there are many more of these 'dansal.' The generous spirit of Sri Lankans goes beyond this, however. Sri Lanka is one of the only countries that offer free healthcare and free education, including at the university level. This is supported by most Sri Lankans, because of the generosity of the people.
Though Sri Lanka runs according to the normal calendar, in April, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is celebrated at the same time. Homes island wide get ready to celebrate by preparing tasty treats, buying gifts, playing games, singing songs, and completing home improvement. At auspicious times, many different rituals are completed, such as boiling pots of milk. These traditions are very interesting to learn about, and the food is delicious. Should you wish to partake in these traditions, most hotels, such as Amaya Signature Dambulla organize festivities that guests can enjoy.
Adam's Peak, also known as Samanalakanda, is a mountain that many locals and tourists enjoy hiking up. The view at the top is stunning, but that is not all that this mountain offers. It is also a significant site for all four major religions in Sri Lanka. At the top is an imprint in the ground, considered to be a footprint. Buddhists say that it is the Buddha's. In Islam, it is considered to be Adam's. Hindu's believe that it is Shiva's. Christians believe that it is St. Thomas'. Regardless of the origin, Adam's Peak is an important part of Sri Lanka's culture, and it is definitely worth a visit.
Sri Lanka celebrates 25 public holidays in a year, second only to Cambodia. This is because of the wide variety of religions in Sri Lanka. Every full moon day, known as a Poya, is a public holiday as each holds significance in Buddhism. Days such as Christmas, Thai Pongal, and Ramadan are also public holidays. Usually, many shops are closed on these holidays, but some are open.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
