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Due to the mix of cultures and religions, Sri Lanka boasts a great variety of festivals. While some of the most famous, celebrated on the full moon, are dedicated to Buddhism, there are also Christian holidays. What makes these festivals special is their vibrant colors, rich music and dance, and sometimes even the presence of elephants in their processions.
Diwali
This is the quintessential Hindu festival of lights, coinciding with the New Year. It is celebrated throughout the country, transforming many cities into vibrant hubs of light and life. During the five-day festival, locals dress in new clothes, indulge in sweets, and enjoy fireworks displays.
Duruthu Festival
In January, the Duruthu Festival commemorates the arrival of Buddha in Sri Lanka. One of the best places to experience the festival is Colombo, particularly in the Kelaniya district, home to the Raja Maha Vihara. On this day, the streets are filled with music, dance, fireworks, and Buddhist processions featuring numerous elephants.
Esala Perahera
Esala Perahera is a very popular festival in Kandy, known for its processions, lights, and colors. Celebrated on the full moon, it is a Buddhist festival. The ceremony begins at the Temple of the Tooth, where pilgrims go to see the relic of their god. Later, several processions emerge from four sanctuaries in the city, featuring more than 100 colorfully decorated elephants. The streets are filled with music and traditional dance performances.
Madhu Festival
This festival is dedicated to Christians, who on this day go to the church in Madhu to pray and take the Virgin Mary for a walk. With her on their shoulders, a procession takes place in the city center while the faithful pray and sing for her. The festivities last for 10 days.
Poson Full Moon Poya Day
This festival commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. On this day, prayers are offered in the temples, especially in the most famous ones, such as Mihintale and Anuradhapura, which attract numerous pilgrims. The streets are decorated and illuminated for the occasion.
Sangamitta Day
It is celebrated on the full moon day in December, so the date changes from year to year. This day commemorates the arrival of the Buddhist princess Sangamitta, who brought a sapling of the Tree of Enlightenment from India and later planted it in Anuradhapura. On this day, monks perform a series of rituals before the Buddha statue.
Thai Ponga
This festival is celebrated at the winter solstice and is dedicated to the sun god Surya, as this day marks the beginning of the sun's journey from south to north. It is a winter harvest festival.
Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
It is one of the most significant holidays in the Buddhist religion. It coincides with the full moon in May, and on this day the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha are commemorated. It also coincides with the master's third and final visit to Sri Lanka. The monks wear white robes, and the temples are filled with flowers and incense. |
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