Festivals and Annual Events

Plan around 10 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.

Duruthu Perehara

Celebrates a visit by Buddha to Sri Lanka. There is a procession of Elephants and Dancers to mark this celebration.

National Day (Independence)

Independence day in Sri Lanka is celebrated with parades, dances and national games.

Sinhala Hindu New Year

The Hindu New year is celebrated with traditional food, clothing, coconut games and pillow fights.

Vesak

Vesak commemorates the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha. Colourful lanterns are made and hung around town. Parades and other religious activities also take place.

Esala Perahera

This is a Buddhist festival. People dress up in elegant costumes, fire and Kandyan dancers entertain the public and richly decorated elephants make their way down the streets.

Vel

The ceremonial chariot of Skanda, the God of War, is hauled between two temples. Hindu processions also take place on the streets.

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid is the Islamic festival which celebrates the end of the Holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.

Deepavali/Diwali

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights. Hindus light up lamps to signify victory of good over evil. The entire city of Colombo is lit up in celebration.

Christmas

Celebrating the birth of Christ. Many events around the city are held on this occasion.

Milad-un-Nabi

Milad un Nabi occurs on the 12th day of Rabi' al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. People on this day celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.