1️⃣ Kandy Esala Perahera 🐘
Grand processions with decorated elephants, traditional dancers, and drummers, celebrating the sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.
2️⃣ Sinhala and Tamil New Year 🌞
Family rituals, traditional games, and festive foods celebrate renewal and joy in April every year.
3️⃣ Vesak Festival 🕯️
Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha. Streets glow with colorful lanterns and acts of charity.
4️⃣ Nallur Festival ⛪
25-day Hindu festival in Jaffna with rituals, processions, and cultural performances honoring Lord Murugan.
5️⃣ Esala Festival in Anuradhapura 🏯
Ancient city festival with rituals, parades, and cultural shows, attracting pilgrims from across the country.
6️⃣ Kataragama Festival 🔥
Multi-religious festival with fire-walking, drumming, and pilgrimages honoring God Kataragama.
7️⃣ Perahera in Dambulla 🌺
Smaller than Kandy’s, but colorful with dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants highlighting local heritage.
8️⃣ Thai Pongal 🌾
Tamil harvest festival thanking the Sun God. Families cook traditional dishes and decorate homes vibrantly.
9️⃣ Poson Festival 🕉️
Marks the introduction of Buddhism. Pilgrims light lamps, visit sacred sites, and engage in serene religious ceremonies.
🔟 Galle Literary Festival 📚
Celebrates Sri Lanka’s literary heritage with workshops, performances, discussions, and book launches in Galle.