January Festivals
New Year’s Day: sees the Sri Lankan people celebrating the coming of a new year according to the western calendar. There are religious ceremonies and dinner and dances at many of the top hotels. Sri Lanka’s International Elephant Polo Tournament: is an intriguing event to watch as the huge magnificent beasts run and manoeuvre dextrously in the game. April Festivals
Sri Lanka New Year’s Day: does not automatically begin at midnight. The exact time of the New Year is dependant on the movement of the sun and the stars so New Year’s Day could begin any time during the day. New Year’s Day is celebrated with passion and sees the entire island grinding to a halt for two days. May Festivals
Wesak Day: begins with the ringing of temple bells and drums beating as devotees make their way, dressed in white, to pay homage to Lord Buddha. Devotees spend the day fasting and meditating. July Festivals
Kandy Perahera: is an auspicious occasion that is celebrated for 10 days with much enthusiasm. The Lord Buddha’s tooth is kept at the Temple of the Tooth and the pageant begins with a parade of the golden casket in which the tooth is kept. At night, there are processions with elephants that are accompanied by drummers and dancers. August Festivals
Vel Worship: is held in August and sees a colourful procession of elephants, drummers, dancers and worshippers following the chariot carrying the weapons used by God Scandal from one Hindu temple to the other. Many streets in Colombo are closed during the procession to allow the large magnificently decorated chariot to pass through the streets easily. November Festivals
Deepavali: is the new year of the Hindus. Rows of lamps or candles are lit at the entrances of homes and temples to signify the emergence of the soul from darkness to light. Special prayers, breaking of coconuts and thanksgiving at the temples are customary. December Festivals
Sangamitta Day: is celebrated at the ancient city of Anuradhapura on the 15th of December to remember the bringing over of the Bodhi tree sapling under which Buddha obtained enlightenment. | 
