Joanna James
In the heart of the cultural triangle, Sigiriya never fails to leave both tourists and locals in complete awe. While the mind-blowing splendour of the historical quarter is its biggest draw, Sigiriya and the island country as a whole play host to a series of colourful festivals, just as fantastic.
Arguably the most anticipated festival in the island country, the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year is a highly festive time throughout Sri Lanka. As the sun makes its move from Pisces to Aries every year, the South Asian nation celebrates its traditional new year on 13 and 14 April. The cultural festivity dates back to the island’s days of yore, where the festival marks the end of the harvesting season and the dawn of a new year is ahead. The Sinhalese and Tamil New Year wouldn’t be complete without its characteristic “sweetmeats” — the traditional local delicacies that come to life during the festive period — from the white-hued diamond-shaped milk rice to the deep-fried crispy kokis and the sensational fluffy cakes, konda kavum.
The most colourful festival of Sri Lanka is also the most sacred day to all Buddhists in the Indian Ocean island nation. The revered Buddhist holiday commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha. With the religious significance of the holiday unmarred, every city throughout the island, big and small, boasts a charm like no other day, adorned with colourful lights, waving flags and striking Vesak lanterns galore.
Come the month of August, Kandy, in the central highlands, steals the spotlight in the little island country as the hill country city plays host to the world-renowned Kandy Esala Perahera. The vibrant festival is a historic procession that dates back centuries, where the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha himself in the sanctum of the eponymous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is processioned around the streets of Kandy in grand style. Adding to the delight of the many tourists heading to the highlands for the majestic procession is the host of luxury hotels in Sigiriya, including the likes of Water Garden Sigiriya, just a short drive away.
Diwali, or Deepavali, as it is known in the teardrop island, is the most looked forward to event by all Hindus of Sri Lanka. The glamorous event is popular as the “Festival of Lights”, where it symbolises the victory of light over darkness. Diwali is celebrated in October or early November every year based on the Lunar calendar and spans five days, during which people engage in various religious activities.
Sri Lanka being home to a rich cultural heritage, plays host to a series of cultural festivals and events, and Eid al-Fitr is one of the most anticipated events by the Muslim community of the country. Better known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast”, Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Islamic holy month of fasting.
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.
