Festivals in Sri Lanka You Should Experience Once in Your Life
Sri Lanka has more to offer than just beautiful beaches, lush tea farms, and old monuments. It also has lively festivals that bring its culture to life. The island’s celebrations offer a glimpse into its spirit, from elaborate processions including adorned elephants to harvest ceremonies steeped in long-standing customs.
- Kandy Esala Perahera
When: July or August
Where: Kandy
The Reason It’s Unique:
The Kandy Esala Perahera, one of Asia’s largest Buddhist celebrations, is a magnificent parade that honors Lord Buddha’s Sacred Tooth Relic. A captivating parade featuring intricately painted elephants, fire dancers, whip-crackers, and drummers is to be expected.
- Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Avurudu)
When: April 13–14
Where: Island-wide
Why It’s Special:
Marking the sun’s movement from Pisces to Aries, Avurudu is celebrated with family gatherings, traditional games, and sweet delicacies like kokis and kiribath (milk rice). Villages come alive with laughter, rituals, and community spirit.
- Vesak Festival
When: May (Full Moon Poya Day)
Where: Across Sri Lanka
Why It’s Celebrated:
Celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha, Vesak transforms the island with lanterns, pandals (illuminated story panels), and charitable acts. Streets glow with light and music, and free food stalls (dansal) welcome everyone.
- Kataragama Esala Festival
When: July or August
Where: Kataragama
Its speciality:
A multi-religious celebration honoring the god Kataragama, attracting Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims. Pilgrims walk barefoot for miles, devotees carry kavadi, and fire-walking rituals are performed.
- Poson Festival
When: June (Full Moon Poya Day)
Where: Anuradhapura & Mihintale
Why It’s Special:
Poson marks the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE. Mihintale, the sacred mountain, becomes a spiritual hub filled with pilgrims, lanterns, and alms-giving stalls.
- Duruthu Perahera
When: January
Where: Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, near Colombo
Why It’s celebrated:
Celebrating Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka, this festival features colorful processions with dancers, drummers, and elephants adorned in silk and lights.
- Vel Festival
When: July or August
Where: Colombo
Why it’s unique:
A vibrant Hindu procession carrying the sacred Vel (spear) of Lord Murugan from Pettah to Bambalapitiya, accompanied by music, dancers, and chariots.
Sri Lanka’s festivals are more than just events — they’re an immersion into centuries-old traditions, spiritual devotion, and the joy of community. Whether you’re standing among glowing Vesak lanterns or swaying to the drumbeats of Perahera, you’ll witness a side of Sri Lanka that goes beyond the guidebooks.
