Sri Lanka (LK)

Western New Year. Sri Lanka also celebrates Tamil and Sinhala New Year on April 13–14.

Commemorates the first visit of the Buddha to Sri Lanka. Monthly Poya Days are national holidays — alcohol cannot be purchased on Poya days.

Hindu harvest festival celebrated by Tamil community. Offerings to the Sun God; rice cooked in clay pots outdoors.

Celebrates Sri Lanka's independence from British rule in 1948. Military parade in Colombo at the Independence Memorial Hall. Major national holiday.

Commemorates the first Buddhist council held under King Devanampiyatissa. Navam Perahera procession at Gangarama Temple, Colombo.

Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. Observed by Sri Lankan Tamil Hindu community with fasting and night vigils.

Commemorates the Buddha's first visit to his father King Suddhodana after enlightenment.

End of Ramadan. Approximate date — confirmed by moon sighting. Public holiday nationwide. Large celebrations in Muslim-majority communities in Colombo, Kandy, and Eastern Province.

Commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Observed by the Christian community.

Commemorates the Buddha's second visit to Sri Lanka, resolving a dispute between two nagas.

Sri Lanka's most important cultural festival — the traditional New Year for both Sinhalese and Tamil communities. April 13 (eve) and 14 (New Year) are both holidays. Rituals including lighting the hearth, preparing kiribath (milk rice), oil-anointing, and new clothing. Businesses close for several days. Plan accordingly.

Second day of New Year celebration. Traditional rituals, family gatherings, and games.

The most important Buddhist festival — commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha on the same day. Lanterns lit nationwide; free dansalas (food stalls) throughout cities. Two days of public holiday.

Second day of Vesak celebrations. Lanterns, Buddhist processions, and communal food sharing.

Feast of Sacrifice. Approximate date. Public holiday for Muslim community nationwide.

Commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arahat Mahinda in the 3rd century BC. Major celebrations at Mihintale (the sacred mountain where this occurred) and Anuradhapura.

Marks the Buddha's first sermon. Coincides with the beginning of the spectacular Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, which runs for 10 days with elephant processions.