Traditional Festivals of Sri Lanka – Experience Vibrant Festivities and Cultural Traditions

One of the most important religious festivals celebrated in Sri Lanka would be Vesak which would fall on the much-anticipated full moon day of May. Buddhists believe that the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and passed into nirvana on this very same full moon day. During this festival, you would see that colourful Vesak lanterns would be displayed wherever you look; additionally, in cities such as Colombo or Kandy, elaborate pandals – huge, illuminated constructions recounting stories from Buddhist literature – would be set up at prominent locations.

The splendid Kandy Esala Perahera which features a series of elaborate processions, would be a noteworthy occasion in Sri Lanka's hill capital, Kandy. Many locals as well as foreign visitors take the opportunity to view this entrancing spectacle (usually in July / August) which could be considered one of the world's most spectacular religious festivals. You will see that the main procession would feature many striking sights including elaborately decorated elephants, dancers, drummers, other musicians, acrobats, whip-crackers and so on.

Deepavali or the Festival of Lights would be a significant Hindu festival that is celebrated in Sri Lanka marking the triumph of good over evil. The local Tamil community enthusiastically celebrates this occasion by lighting lamps, dancing, singing, setting off firecrackers, visiting temples, donning new clothes and getting together with family and friends over elaborate meals. The principal reason behind the lighting of oil lamps on this occasion would be to ceremonially entreat the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi for blessings.

Another important festival for the Tamils of Sri Lanka would be Thai Pongal which happens to be a harvest festival in which thanks are offered for the bountiful harvest received. These thanks would be offered to the Sun God, the Rain God, the Earth, other elements of nature and the cattle who contributed to the harvest. Numerous interesting traditions would be involved in the Thai Pongal festivities, including the drawing of intricate designs known as rangoli or kolam which are believed to usher in prosperity and good fortune.

Another joyous celebration that is observed in Sri Lanka would be the Sinhala and Tamil New Year which as its name suggests is celebrated by both the Sinhalese and Tamil communities. Many fascinating cultural traditions are associated with this festival, such as the drumming of the 'raban' by women, and the preparation of festive foods such as kiribath (milk rice), oil cakes and other sweetmeats. An accommodation choice to consider from which you could experience the New Year traditions as well as the options for dining in Mirissa would be the pleasingly located Ubuntu Beach Villas.

Although the Kataragama Festival would in its essence be a Hindu festivity, numerous people of different faiths would visit the town of Kataragama to involve themselves in this celebration. During this festival, you could experience an array of interesting sights including caparisoned elephants, musicians, dancers, fire-eaters, and acrobats. You would also notice devotees presenting garlands of flowers to the deity Skanda during this festival.