6 festivals to explore across Sri Lanka
The island-wide Buddhist full-moon observance marked by lanterns, almsgiving stalls, temple worship, and illuminated pandals.
May 1, 2026 — May 2, 2026
The Hindu festival of lights, observed by Sri Lankan Tamil communities with temple visits, oil lamps, sweets, and family gatherings.
Sri Lanka's most famous procession festival, honoring the Sacred Tooth Relic with drummers, dancers, tuskers, and torch-lit night parades.
A major multi-religious pilgrimage season centered on vows, processions, and acts of devotion at Kataragama.
A major Buddhist full-moon observance remembering the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, especially vivid around Mihintale and Anuradhapura.
The country's main seasonal family festival, marking the end of the harvest with auspicious timings, games, sweets, and ritual meals.