Cultural Festivals

Festivals And Cultural Events

Sri Lanka’s culture is diverse and has been influenced by many factors such as religion and colonialization by the Dutch, the Portuguese and the British. Festivals are a part of Sri Lankan culture and are either religious or national. Most festivals are observed in grand scale.

Kandy Perahera
Kandy

One of the biggest Buddhist celebrations of the year, the annual Esala Perahera is a religious ceremony during which devotees pray for good rains to cultivate...
Vel
Countrywide
The Vel Festival is celebrated by Hindus in Colombo and is held in honour of Lord Sri Murukan, the God of War. The event begins with a lively procession...

World Spice Festival
Colombo

First held in 2005, the World Spice Festival is an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to sample a range of different cuisines representing all...

Deepavali
Countrywide
Also known as "Diwali" or the "Festival of Lights", Deepavali is one of the biggest celebrations for the Hindu faith. Marking the arrival of the new moon...

Duruthu Perahera
Colombo
A popular religious and cultural event, the annual Duruthu Perahera celebrates Lord Buddha's third visit to Sri Lanka and is marked by a huge procession...

Nawam Full Moon Poya Day
Colombo
This incredible spectacle celebrates the February Full Moon with a two-day event that includes parades and processions with elephants, dancers and music...

Sinhala and Tamil New Year
Countrywide
Sri Lanka's Sinhalese and Tamils celebrate New Year each April with a series of feasts and religious services. Unlike many New Year celebrations that...

Vesak Day
Countrywide
Vesak Day is one of the biggest days of the year in the Buddhist calendar and is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. The day marks the birth,...

Poson
Anuradhapura
The annual Poson festival is an ancient celebration which commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the third century BC. It was spread...

Independence Day
Sri Lanka celebrates its Independence day on the 4th February every year. This day the Sri Lankan attained independence from British rule.

Kite Festival
Kites of various shapes and sizes are flown in the sky in a grand contest held on seashore in Colombo.

Related Links
Sri Lankan Festivals
Department Of Archaeology
Sri Dalada Maligawa
Sri Lanka Customs
Sri Lanka Port Authority
Sri Lanka Shippers Council
Sri Lanka Tourism Project Travel Hotel And Destination Guide