As we all know, Sri Lanka has over 2500 years of history and culture and many festivals are celebrated throughout the year.
Take a look at our top 5 festivals in Sri Lanka highlighted below!
Nawam Perahera Festival
During the month of February, Sri Lanka celebrates the Nawam Poya day. During each Poya day the country celebrates an important stage of Lord Buddha’s life. The Nawam Poya Day focuses on the Lord Buddha’s sermon - “Ovada Prathimoksha” which was delivered to Sariputta and Moggallana monks.
In the heart of the city visitors can witness streets filled with dancers, drummers, fire limbos and decorated elephants going on procession. This year’s majestic festival, held on the 23rd and 24th February, is located close to Uga Residence, making it an easy property choice when visiting during this time.
The festival is being organised by the Gangaramaya temple where you can witness the hair relics of Lord Buddha. The history of this festival dates back to 1979 where it celebrates the 45th anniversary of the Perahera procession.
Nallur Festival
During the months of August and September, thousands of people flock to celebrate The Nallur Kandasamy Kovil festival in the Northern Kingdom of Jaffna.
This year the festival is celebrated between 8th August to 4th September where the streets will be filled with chariot processions, drumming, dancing and acts of self mortification held in honour of the God of War - Skanda. Visitors can stay at Jetwing Mahesa Bawan and soak up all the energy surrounding this longest running festival in the country.
Festival of Lights
During the month of May, the Buddhists celebrate the Vesak Poya day which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and the death of Lord Buddha. This is the most important Buddhist festival in the world.
In 1950, the entire Buddhist leadership got together in Sri Lanka and had the first conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists and decided to celebrate Vesak around the world.
The Festival of Lights this year falls on the 23rd and 24th May, and visitors can stay at Uga Residence in Colombo and walk over to the Beire Lake and the surrounding areas at Sunset to witness the best Vesak festival celebrations in the island.
Kataragama Festival
Kataragama is a hub for all religions and beliefs. This is one of the very few places in the country where Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and even the forest dwellers of the island - the Veddas come to pray. The festival is held during July and August in honour of the local God Kataragama and visitors can witness the unique “Kavadi” dancing of Sri Lanka.
Chena Huts or Wild Coast Tented Lodge are both just 1 hour away from the Kataragama Kovil which make the perfect choice.
Kandy Esala Perahera
One of the most famous festivals in Asia - the Kandy Esala Perahera has roots going back to the 3rd century BC making it one of the oldest festivals in the world.
Sri Lanka is an ancient agricultural society and therefore, rainwater is very important to ensure crops do not die off. The entire festival is one big prayer dedicated to the Gods asking for rain. During the months of June, July and August, water is very scarce in most parts of the country. The Perahera takes the tooth relic of Lord Buddha around the city of Kandy where the locals believe is one sure way of convincing the Gods to give them rain. This year, visitors can stay at Kandy House and witness the procession from 10th - 20th August.