Colorful Festivals

Sri Lanka has representatives from almost all of the major religious groups in the world. Add to this a plethora of ethnicities and social groupings, and the result is a crowded festival calendar. Not to be missed are several vibrant festivals that revive old customs and spiritual practices of the islands. The Hindu and Buddhist New Year's event, Aluth Avurudda, which takes place in April, is a pleasure for all the senses. The streets come alive for two days with music, fireworks, and delectable food.

The first month of the Buddhist calendar year is marked by the most significant Buddhist festival, Vesak, which takes place in May. With elaborate lanterns adorning the streets and homes, Sri Lanka appears to be a sea of lights. Tourists may engage themselves in Sri Lanka's medieval past during the Kandy Festival (July/August), where adorned elephants, lively dances, and costumes from bygone eras all come together to showcase the grandeur of the island's rich cultural heritage.