The Sri Lanka's population is a mix of diverse religious and ethnic communities – Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, & Malay. Each contributes to the island’s rich tapestry of beliefs, rituals, folklore, as well as rhythms and dance forms that all come together in the myriad of pageants and festivals that are held throughout the year. A majority of the festivals are based on the varying religious beliefs (Buddhist, Hindu, Islam, and Christianity) whilst some special holidays are national celebrations such as the Sinhala and Tamil New Year and Sri Lanka’s Independence Day. As a result, hardly a month goes by without a special event or a unique religious celebration in the country.

Buddhist Festivals

The ancient cultural activities and heritage of Sinhala Buddhist civilisation is based on the lunar calendar where the full moon (Poya) day of each month is considered the most auspicious of the four phases of the moon and hence, of special religious significance. This is a practice that goes back thousands of years and was adopted by Lord Buddha from those before him. Lord Buddha started to preach his teachings on full moon Poya days and, as a result, when the venerable Mahinda introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century B.C., the Poya tradition, venerated to this day, was also introduced. Hence, every Full Moon is a public holiday. Buddhists observe this day by visiting temples, engaging in prayer and meditation. Alcoholic beverages are not sold and meats are not available for purchase in grocery shops.

The Poya holidays in January, May, June, and December are more significant in relation to the life of Buddha and Buddhist heritage in Sri Lanka and are celebrated with pageantry and ceremony. Spectacular street processions known as “Pereharas” are staged with scores of elephants all dressed in all their finery, Chieftains in their traditional royal attire, hundreds of dancers, drummers, flag bearers, and Buddhist monks, all walking in procession in honour of Lord Buddha. These Pereharas are a showcase of Sri Lanka’s creative talents as well as its colourful and ancient culture heritage. The exact dates of Sri Lanka’s festivals change from year to year as they depend on lunar or solar phases.

Hindu Festivals

Out of the 8.5 percent Tamils residing in Sri Lanka, a majority follows the Hindu religion with the rest following Christianity. Festivals such as Deepavali, Thai Pongal, Mahashivarasthri, the numerous Esala Festivals, as well as the Sinhala/Tamil New Year in April are all significant occasions, which are celebrated with elaborate rituals and colourful ceremonies within the Hindu temples (Kovils) and homes across the country.

Muslim Festivals

The most significant Muslim religious festivals are Milad-un-Nabi commemorating the birth of Prophet Mohammed in December, Id-ul-Fitr marking the end of the holy fasting period during the month of Ramadan in November, and the Haj festival when scores of Muslims from Sri Lanka make theirpilgrimages to the holy Muslim shrine in Mecca.



Christian celebrations

Christianity is followed by some of the Sinahese, Tamil, and the Burgher communities in Sri Lanka. Significant events in the life of Jesus Christ such as Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas are celebrated across the country. Some of the churches in Sri Lanka have a deep rooted history, especially in the West and South coast dating back to the 16th century Colonial period - of the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch and then the British. Whilst most church services in Colombo are conducted in English, out of Colombo, services are generally conducted in Sinhala or Tamil depending on the location. Christmas time, especially in Colombo, takes a festive air with elaborate décor and trimmings in shops, hotels, and homes.