Festivals (5)
Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka are more recurrent as the country is dominated by Buddhist faith. On full moon day, each month, religious ceremonies are performed by the followers of Buddhists, the day is called Poya.
In the Vedic/Hindu tradition, there are many festivals that are observed throughout the year.
When: Month of January. The Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera had its origins in 1927, due largely to efforts of philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helana Wijewardene Lamathani and father of late Upali Wijewardene.This religious cultural pageant has evolved over the years to a permanent position, as the country's most…
When: Month of May. "Vesak" is the Buddhist festival, which is celebrated with high enthusiasm and elaborates preparations; basically this is a religious festival commemorating the birth, Attaining Enlightment & Passing Away (Parinirvana) of Buddha. This festival is celebrated in all the countries where Buddhists live in considerable number. These…
When: Month of JuneSri Lanka was converted to Budhism in the 3rd century BC. The Poson Festival commemorates this special event in the history. It was in this ancient city of Mihintale in the year 247BC that Arahant Mahinda, supposedly the son of Emperor Asoka of India, converted King Devanampiyatissa…
When: July to August One of the biggest and sacred celebrations of the year, Esala Perahera (the festival of the tooth), held in July or August, during which devotees pray for good rains to cultivate the crops. One of Buddhism’s most sacred relics, the sacred casket of Tooth is taken…
When: Month of July. This festival is held at Kataragama, where devotes put themselves through the whole gamut of ritual masochism. A pilgrimage from Jaffna via Batticaloa to Kataragama takes place. Hindu festivals: In the Vedic/Hindu tradition, there are many festivals that are observed throughout the year. There are major…