Joanna James
Sri Lanka celebrates a range of festivals capturing the diverse religious and cultural spirit of its inhabitants. Here is a look at some of the most famous festivals and pageants so you can experience some of the magic yourself.
Vesak is the most significant full moon poya holiday in Sri Lanka. The day celebrates the birth, Enlightenment and the passing away of the Lord Buddha. The whole country gets lit in Vesak lanterns, luminous pandals and lamps, while people spend their time in temples attending religious observances. Another unique feature is the 'dansal' providing free food and drink to anyone and everyone as an act of charity.
Sinhalese and Tamil communities celebrate the New Year during the month of April, typically falling on the 13-14th of April. The Aluth Awurudda as it is called in Sinhalese, commemorates the sun travelling from Pisces to Aries according to local astrology. Families prepare for the festivities by spring cleaning their homes, preparing tasty sweetmeats and buying new clothes. The day is spent among family and elderly parents and grandparents while attending religious observances. Avurudu festivals are also a common occurrence, featuring fun games and beauty pageants.
Usually held in the month of August in the hill capital of Kandy, the event pays obeisance to Lord Buddha's sacred Tooth Relic. The hallowed relic remains enshrined inside the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) and taken out only once a year. You will get to chance upon the golden casket containing the tooth relic, which is paraded through the streets atop majestic elephants for multiple days. All this pageantry concludes with the water-cutting ceremony after 4- 5 days of parading the streets. Apart from beautifully decorated elephants, you can encounter traditional dancers, fire twirlers, torch-bearers, carnivals and more.
One of the premier international literary festivals to be held in Sri Lanka and the South Asia Region since 2004. It takes place in the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Galle Fort, with a range of local and international authors taking part in the festival. You can expect book readings, book launches, author meet and greets, cultural events and so much more. This is one festival book nerds shouldn't miss! You can find many luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, such as the likes of Amaya Resorts & Spas, among the top choices you can look out for while in Galle.
Poson is the second most significant holy day for Sri Lankan Buddhists. This day commemorates the arrival of Arahat Mahinda, an emissary from Emperor Ashoka bearing the gift of the Buddha's teaching to the island in the 3rd Century BCE. This event further coincided with the development of arts and culture within the island. According to historical sources, Arahat Mahinda's arrival brought 16 types of artists and artisans and thus enabled Buddhist arts and culture to flourish. To commemorate this event, huge pandals are erected throughout the country, while free food and drinks are given to all in the many dansals across the island. Many devotees will spend their time in temples doing meritorious acts like observing precepts and providing alms to monks and devotees.
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.
