Holidays and Festivals
The numerous festivals in the Sri Lankan calendar illustrate
the religious diversity of the island. The patron saint
of the churches on the west coast, the landmarks associated
with the spread of Buddhism, the temples of the different
gods of the island together with Hindu shrines weave
a fabric of commemorative festivals, which provide an
opportunity for people to come together in large numbers.
The tourist board publishes an annual Current Events
Calendar on its website at www.srilankatourism.org
The Buddha was born, experienced Enlightenment and
Parinirvana ('final extinction') on a day
with a full moon, with the result that each full moon
(Poya) is a public holiday on which Buddhists hold special
ceremonies. On such a day, devotees go to the temple
to make offerings (flowers, oil lamps, etc.) and listen
to sermons and blessings performed by the monks.
Festivals
held each month |
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The traditional Buddhist and Hindu religious calendars
follow a cycle associated with the moon and the sun
of 12 months, adding an extra month every two to three
years. In this way, they always take place in the same
season, with a difference of a few days from one year
to the next. The year begins in spring (March-April).
Click on festivals by month
for more information.
Muslim festivals respect the lunar calendar of Islam
and in this respect change from year to year. According
to the Gregorian calendar, they tend to fall 11 days
earlier each year, dependent on the sighting of the
new moon. These festivals only involve the Muslim community
itself, since they take the form of special prayers
held at the mosques and family celebrations. The three
main festivals, which are public holidays for Muslims,
are:
Id ul-Kebir - commemorates the sacrifice of Abraham
Milad un-Nabi - celebrates the birthday of the Prophet
Id ul-Fitr - marks the end of Ramadan.
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