Sri Lanka festivals for travelers

Sri Lanka, a beautiful island nation, has been blessed with many festivals during any given year. While it is true that they are predominantly religious based, it is wonderful to see and participate in them.

As the majority of Sri Lankans are Buddhist, most of the festivals are based on Buddhism. As Christmas is for Christians, Wesak is for Buddhists. Celebrated in May, it means the day that Lord Buddha was born, attained Buddhahood, like Guatama Buddha, and the day that He passed away. While going to the temple, sil is observed, a form of quiet contemplation, during Wesak, the true highlight of the festival from the visitor’s point of view is when the entire island is illuminated at night, with paper lanterns created especially for the festival. .

Traffic comes to a virtual stop when main roads and back roads turn into makeshift lantern displays. The creations generally range from the simple to the highly elaborate, as people compete to outdo each other. It is a sight to behold and well worth experiencing, with many Sri Lankan hotels lit up for the occasion.

Another interesting festival in Sri Lanka is the Sinhala Tamil New Year celebration, known simply as Avurudu, which takes place in April. It takes place in April as it is a time of prosperity for the predominantly agricultural nation, a time when the harvest is gathered. A truly traditional Avurudu celebration would involve eating kiribath (rice pudding) and other sweets at the appropriate time given by family members, after which they exchange money to bring prosperity for the coming year. People participate in traditional games and the playing of drums or rabbana. Hotels in Sri Lanka have special events organized to celebrate Avurudu where guests can participate in rituals and food.

For Sri Lankans, full moon days have a special religious value and are often public holidays. Duruthu poya is in January and marks the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka. A perahera, which is a unique symbol of Sri Lanka, is held in Kelaniya, about 10 km from the capital Colombo. This perahera or contest is a colorful event with traditional dancers and richly adorned elephants that are sure to captivate and captivate the senses.

Poson poya falls in June of each year and is marked as the day Buddhism was introduced to the country. Mihintale and Anuradhapura are the places to be during this season.

The famous Kandy perahara is an experience not to be missed. It takes place in August during the Esala full moon, which is why the perahara is also known as Kandy Esala perahera. The main attraction is the relic of the Tooth of Dalada Maligawa. Sri Lankan hotels are packed with tourists and local visitors during this time and usually help organize tickets and other essentials for the event.

Hinduism has been so integrated into Sri Lankan culture that you find Hindu gods in Buddhist temples and the Kataragama devale is the perfect melting pot of the two. Hindu devotees visit in search of the protection of the god Skanda to whom the devale is dedicated. Buddhists visit the Kiri Vehera stupa within the devale facility, which is said to be one of the sixteen places visited in Sri Lanka by Buddha. Visit during Kataragama festival time and have the privilege of witnessing Hindu devotees fulfilling their vows with firewalks and piercings. A rarer sight would be a devotee hanging from a scaffold with hooks.

Christmas is also celebrated in Sri Lanka on a large scale and Sri Lankan hotels offer guests a true Christmas away from home. The capital especially presents all its finery in honor of the birth of Christ.