In celebration of the Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka a large festival is held at the Kelaniya Temple near Colombo.

(Muslim) Hadji Festival Day

Hindus celebrate the first grains of the rice harvest

A large perahera is held with elephants, dancers and drummers at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.

Celebrated with parades, dancing and national games.

In celebration of Siva performing his celestial dance of destruction, Hindus prepare feasts and hold fairs at Siva Temples island-wide.

Commemorates the second visit by the Buddha to Sri Lanka.

Christian festival day celebrated in Negombo.

Sinhala and Tamil New Year
Extended two-day festival of the Sun God and harvest thanksgiving, celebrated with rituals, traditional

games and fun-filled activities.

(Muslim) Holy Prophet's Birthday.

Commemorates the triple anniversary of the Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment and Death with a two-day holiday. Beautiful lanterns and lights are displayed in temples, shops and family homes while roadside stalls give out free food and drink. Vesak Poya also commemorates the Buddha's third and final visit to Sri Lanka.

Commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the third century BC. Special celebrations are held at Mihintale and Anuradhapura.

Celebrated in late July/early August by the Kandy perahera, the most spectacular of Sri Lankan's festivals. In honour of the sacred Tooth of the Buddha, this 10-day pageant features a grand procession of drummers, dancers, acrobats, trumpeters, whip-crackers, torchbearers and elephants that thousands of devotees flock to see.

Celebrations are held at Bellanwila in Colombo.

Hindu Festival where the ceremonial chariot of Skanda, god of war, is driven between Pettah and Bambalapitiya or Wellawatte temples in Colombo.

Commemorates the Buddha's first visit to heaven to preach to his mother. A perahera is held in Badulla.

Commemorates the conclusion of the Buddha's teaching in the heavenly realm.

Hindu Festival in celebration of the return of the Indian prince Rama after 14 years in exile.

(Muslim) Ramazan Festival Day.