Vesak

Island-wide, Colombo

The full-moon festival of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing — lanterns, illuminated pandals and free food stalls island-wide.

The Vesak full-moon (Poya) day, usually in May; decorations stay up for several days

Kandy

Ten nights of torch-lit processions in Kandy honouring the Sacred Tooth Relic — elephants, drummers and Kandyan dancers.

Usually July–August: about ten nights of processions, ending on the Esala full-moon (Poya) night

Island-wide

Every full moon is a Poya day — a Buddhist public holiday when temples fill with worshippers dressed in white.

Kataragama

The Esala festival at Kataragama, sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims — processions, fire-walking and the long foot pilgrimage.

Colombo

Colombo’s big February procession — elephants and dancers parade around Beira Lake from the Gangaramaya Temple.

Kelaniya

January processions at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara near Colombo, commemorating the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka.

Mihintale, Anuradhapura

The June full moon that marks the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka — pilgrims in white climb Mihintale and gather in…