​Vesak

This full moon day in May is of great significance to Buddhists throughout the world. It marks the birth of the Prince Siddhartha, his attaining enlightenment and passing into Nibbana as Gauthama Buddha. It is a day devoted to religious observances and charity. Temporary alms halls offer free meals to passers by and Buddhists visit their temples for religious observances. Buddhist homes are decorated and illuminated with Vesak lanterns and electric lamps. Colourful pandals with thousands of electric jets throwing brilliant colour patterns are erected in city centers.

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Kandy Perahera
The Kandy Perahera takes place in July/August depending on the full moon. There are also religious celebrations held simultaneously in many parts of the island, which include Kataragama, Devinuvara and Kotte.

The biggest festival of all is the Festival of the Kandy Perahera held in Kandy centre, commencing at the Temple of the Tooth where a spectacular pageant is held for 10 consecutive nights with Kandyan dancers and drummers in colourful traditional costumes, Kandyan chieftains in medieval court dress, more than one hundred caparisoned elephants, whip crackers, fire twirlers, torch bearers and much more, making it an unforgettable experience.

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Kataragama Perahera
Kataragama in the south-east corner of the island is a jungle shrine dedicated to the God Skanda. It attracts thousands of Hindus and Buddhists, many of whom make the pilgrimage on foot from as far afield as Jaffna in Sri Lanka’s northern peninsula. The main event at Kataragama festival is the perahera or the procession held for two weeks in July/August every year culminating with an awe inspiring ‘fire walking’ ceremony. Fire walking is considered a sacred duty by the devout followers.