Sri Lanka observes a rich mix of religious, cultural, and national holidays throughout the year, reflecting the country’s deep diversity and long-standing traditions. These celebrations include Buddhist Poya Days, Hindu festivals, Islamic observances, and Christian holidays, each bringing unique customs and significance. Monthly Poya Days mark the full moon and are important for Buddhist spiritual practices such as temple visits, meditation, and rituals. Hindu celebrations like Thai Pongal, Maha Shivaratri, and Deepavali highlight vibrant cultural traditions, while Islamic festivals such as Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha emphasise prayer, charity, and family unity. Christmas, the major Christian public holiday, is celebrated across the island with church services and festive gatherings. In addition to religious events, national holidays such as Independence Day and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year represent unity, heritage, and new beginnings. Together, these holidays shape Sri Lankan culture and bring communities together in meaningful ways.
January Holidays in Sri Lanka
January marks the beginning of the year with several important cultural and religious holidays in Sri Lanka. These celebrations reflect the island’s deep Buddhist and Tamil traditions, making January a spiritually meaningful month.
1. Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day
Duruthu Poya is the first Poya Day of the year and commemorates Lord Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka, which took place in the ninth month after his Enlightenment. It marks a historic event symbolising peace, compassion, and the spreading of Buddhist teachings on the island. Temples across the country hold special ceremonies, meditation programs, and almsgiving events.
2. Tamil Thai Pongal Day
Thai Pongal is a major Hindu harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community. It expresses gratitude to the Sun God for a bountiful harvest. Families prepare “Pongal,” a traditional sweet rice dish, decorate homes with kolam designs, and perform rituals to honour prosperity and nature.
February Holidays in Sri Lanka
February is an important month in Sri Lanka’s holiday calendar, featuring both national and religious celebrations. It includes one of the biggest patriotic events of the year and significant observances for the Buddhist and Hindu communities.
1. National Day (Independence Day) – February 4
Sri Lanka’s Independence Day commemorates the country’s freedom from British rule in 1948. This day is celebrated nationwide with military parades, cultural performances, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and government events. Schools and public institutions also hold special programs highlighting national pride, unity, and history.
2. Navam Full Moon Poya Day
Navam Poya is sacred for Buddhists as it marks:
The appointment of the first two chief disciples, Arahants Sariputta and Moggallana.
The first Buddhist congregation (Mahasangha).
Temples across the island conduct meditation sessions, sermons, and special rituals to honour these events.
3. Maha Shivaratri (Date varies by year)
A major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated with night-long prayers, fasting, and temple rituals. Devotees gather at Hindu kovils to offer milk, fruits, and flowers while performing traditional ceremonies believed to bring blessings and spiritual strength.
March Holidays in Sri Lanka
March features important religious observances for the Buddhist and Hindu communities in Sri Lanka. The month reflects spiritual reflection, devotion, and cultural heritage.
1. Medin Full Moon Poya Day
Medin Poya commemorates Lord Buddha’s first visit to his hometown, Kapilavastu, after attaining Enlightenment. During this visit, he preached the Dhamma to his father, King Suddhodana, and guided his family toward the spiritual path. Buddhists observe this day by visiting temples, offering alms, and engaging in meditation and religious discussions.
2. Maha Shivaratri (If it falls in March for that year)
Maha Shivaratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. It involves overnight temple ceremonies, fasting, chanting Shiva mantras, and milk-and-water offerings. Although the date can fall in February or March, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar, it is an essential spiritual event celebrated by Sri Lankan Hindus.
April Holidays in Sri Lanka
April is one of the most festive and culturally significant months in Sri Lanka. It features the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, a national celebration that brings together families, traditions, and community spirit across the country.
1. Sinhala and Tamil New Year Eve – April 13
April 13 marks the transition period (Nonagathe), when the old year ends and the new year begins according to the Sinhala and Tamil astrological calendar. During this time, people stop work, visit temples, light the hearth, and prepare for rituals that bring prosperity, happiness, and peace.
2. Sinhala and Tamil New Year Day – April 14
April 14 is the official New Year’s Day, celebrated nationwide by Sinhalese and Tamil communities. Traditional activities include boiling milk, making sweets like kavum and kokis, engaging in auspicious rituals, giving gifts, visiting relatives, and playing cultural games. It is one of Sri Lanka’s most joyful and colourful festivals.
3. Bak Full Moon Poya Day
Bak Poya commemorates Lord Buddha’s second visit to Sri Lanka, which took place in Nagadipa to resolve a dispute between two Naga kings. This Poya Day emphasises peace, harmony, and compassion. Temples hold sermons, meditation programs, and charitable events.
May Holidays in Sri Lanka
May is one of the most spiritually significant months in Sri Lanka, especially for Buddhists. It includes Vesak, the most sacred Buddhist celebration of the year, as well as an important national holiday.
1. Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
Vesak is the holiest day for Buddhists, marking three significant events in the life of Lord Buddha:
His Birth
His Enlightenment
His Parinibbana (Passing Away)
Sri Lanka transforms into a glowing festival of lights, with lanterns, pandals, dansals (free food stalls) and spiritual observances nationwide. People gather at temples for meditation, sermons, and charitable activities.
2. Day Following Vesak
The day after Vesak is also a public holiday. It allows devotees to continue observing religious activities, visiting temples, and participating in community programs.
3. May Day – May 1
May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, honours the contributions of workers across the country. Trade unions and organisations hold rallies, events, and public processions. It is recognised as a national holiday in Sri Lanka.
June Holidays in Sri Lanka
June features one major Buddhist religious holiday in Sri Lanka. Although it is a relatively quieter month for festivals, it holds great spiritual significance for many devotees.
1. Poson Full Moon Poya Day
Poson Poya is one of the most important Buddhist holidays in Sri Lanka, second only to Vesak. It commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arahant Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka of India, in the 3rd century BC.
Key traditions include:
Visiting Mihintale, the sacred site where Arahant Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa
Engaging in meditation and listening to Dhamma sermons
Island-wide dansals (free food stalls)
Illuminations and devotional decorations
Poson symbolises the beginning of Sri Lanka’s deep Buddhist heritage and is widely celebrated across the country, especially in the Anuradhapura District.
July Holidays in Sri Lanka
July includes an important Buddhist observance with deep historical and spiritual significance. While it is not as widely decorated as Vesak or Poson, it remains a significant month for religious reflection.
1. Esala Full Moon Poya Day
Esala Poya marks several significant events in the Buddhist tradition:
The Buddha’s First Sermon (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) delivered in Isipathana, India
The commencement of the Vas (Rainy Retreat) Season for monks
The Buddha’s conception, according to Buddhist belief
Historical events related to the establishment of the Tooth Relic tradition
Across Sri Lanka, temples conduct meditation sessions, sermons, and special rituals. The famous Kandy Esala Perahera, one of Asia’s grandest cultural processions, is also linked to this period (though the dates vary each year).
Esala Poya encourages followers to deepen their spiritual practice and reflect on the Buddha’s teachings.
August Holidays in Sri Lanka
August features one important Buddhist religious observance. While it is a quieter month culturally, the Poya Day holds significant meaning for Buddhist devotees.
1. Nikini Full Moon Poya Day
Nikini Poya marks several key events in Buddhist history:
The first Dhamma Sangayana (First Buddhist Council) was held three months after the Buddha’s passing
The decline in the number of monks entering the Rainy Retreat (Vassa)
The period when the faithful are encouraged to engage more deeply in spiritual practices
Nikini Poya is known for its focus on meditation, simplicity, and strengthening discipline within the monastic community. Many Buddhists visit temples for sermons and peaceful reflection, making this a spiritually centred month.
September Holidays in Sri Lanka
September features a significant Buddhist observance that highlights an essential moment in Buddhist history. It is a peaceful month that encourages spiritual reflection and devotion.
1. Binara Full Moon Poya Day
Binara Poya commemorates the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha, the order of Buddhist nuns, by Queen Mahāpajāpati Gautami, the foster mother of the Lord Buddha. This event is historically significant as it marks the beginning of female participation in Buddhist monastic life.
Key practices during Binara Poya include:
Visiting temples for meditation programs
Listening to Dhamma sermons
Engaging in charitable activities
Reflecting on the role of women in Buddhism
The day emphasises compassion, equality, and spiritual dedication within the Buddhist community.
October Holidays in Sri Lanka
October includes both a significant Buddhist observance and a major Hindu festival. This month reflects Sri Lanka’s multicultural harmony, bringing together spiritual devotion and colourful cultural celebrations.
1. Vap Full Moon Poya Day
Vap Poya marks the end of the Buddhist Rainy Retreat (Vassana) and the beginning of the Katina season, where lay devotees offer Katina robes to monks. This tradition is considered one of the most meritorious acts in Buddhism.
Key highlights include:
Katina’s robe ceremonies
Dhamma sermons and meditation programs
Acts of generosity and temple offerings
Vap Poya symbolises gratitude, spiritual discipline, and community support for the monastic order.
2. Deepavali (Diwali) Festival Day
Deepavali, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important Hindu celebrations in Sri Lanka. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Common customs include:
Lighting oil lamps
Temple visits and prayers
Preparing traditional sweets
Wearing new clothes
Family gatherings and cultural performances
Deepavali brings joy, colour, and spirituality to Tamil-Hindu communities across the island.
November Holidays in Sri Lanka
November features one significant Buddhist observance. It is a spiritually meaningful month focused on reflection, devotion, and remembrance of important events in the Buddha’s life.
1. Il Full Moon Poya Day
Il Poya commemorates several important milestones in Buddhist history:
The ordination of Prince Siddhartha’s son, Rahula, as the youngest monk
The ordination of Sariyuth and Moggallana’s 250 disciples
Events related to the Bodhisattva Mettaya (Maitreya) in Buddhist tradition
Historical teachings connected to devotion, discipline, and the monastic lifestyle
Buddhists observe Il Poya by visiting temples, listening to Dhamma sermons, engaging in meditation, and performing acts of generosity. It is a peaceful month that encourages inner discipline and reflection.
December Holidays in Sri Lanka
December marks the final month of the year and includes one major Buddhist observance and one major Christian celebration. Together, these holidays reflect Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and religious diversity.
1. Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day
Unduvap Poya commemorates the arrival of Theri Sanghamitta, daughter of Emperor Ashoka, who brought the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi sapling to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE. This sapling, planted in Anuradhapura, remains one of the most revered Buddhist symbols in the country.
Key observances include:
Pilgrimages to Anuradhapura
Offerings and rituals at temples
Acts of generosity and community service
Reflecting on the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Unduvap Poya highlights the deep connection between Sri Lanka and its Buddhist heritage.
2. Christmas Day – December 25
Christmas is the major Christian public holiday in Sri Lanka, celebrated with joy and festivity. Customs include:
Church services and prayers
Christmas decorations and lights
Exchanging gifts with loved ones
Family gatherings and festive meals
Although Christmas is a Christian holiday, people of all religions in Sri Lanka often join in the celebration, making it a warm, inclusive festival.
How Public Holidays Impact Daily Life in Sri Lanka
Public holidays play a significant role in shaping daily life in Sri Lanka. On these days, government offices, schools, and many private businesses remain closed, allowing families to spend time together, travel, or participate in religious activities. Poya Days, which occur every full moon, create a unique rhythm in the country—alcohol sales are prohibited, meat shops remain closed, and entertainment activities are limited. As a result, many people engage in temple visits, meditation, and spiritual practices.
Travel patterns also change during holidays. Public transport, highways, and town centers become especially busy as people return to their hometowns or visit religious sites. Major festivals like Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Vesak, and Poson bring increased foot traffic to markets, temples, and shopping streets.
For businesses, holidays can mean reduced operating hours but increased demand in tourism, retail, and hospitality sectors. Overall, public holidays blend cultural celebration, spiritual reflection, and nationwide movement, shaping the everyday lives of Sri Lankans.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Sri Lanka Public Holidays
Quick answers about Sri Lankan public, religious and national holidays.
1. How many public holidays does Sri Lanka have each year?
Sri Lanka typically has around 25–30 public holidays each year, depending on the lunar calendar and religious observances. It is considered one of the countries with the highest number of public holidays in the world.
2. Why do Poya Days fall on different dates each month?
Poya Days follow the full moon cycle, which changes monthly. Each Poya Day is aligned with the lunar calendar and marks a significant event in Buddhist history.
3. Are shops and businesses open on Poya Days?
Most general shops remain open, but alcohol sales, meat shops, casinos and nightclubs are not allowed to operate on Poya Days, in keeping with religious traditions.
4. What is the biggest holiday in Sri Lanka?
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year (around April 13–14) and Vesak are considered the most important island-wide celebrations, observed by millions across the country.
5. Do public transport services operate during holidays?
Yes, buses and trains operate during holidays, but they are often very crowded because many people travel to hometowns and religious sites.
6. Is Christmas a public holiday in Sri Lanka?
Yes. December 25 is an official public holiday, and Christmas is celebrated with church services, decorations and family gatherings across the island.
7. How do Islamic holidays change each year?
Islamic holidays follow the Hijri lunar calendar, so dates shift by about 10–12 days each year compared to the Gregorian calendar.
8. Are national days the same every year?
Yes. For example, Independence Day is always on February 4, and May Day is always on May 1, regardless of the day of the week.
Also Read
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Temple Festival 2026
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Temple Festival 2026 Dates: 16 August 2026 – 12 September 2026 Festival…
Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera 2026
2026 Kelaniya Perahera Dates: Udamaluwa Perahera – 08 Jan 2026 · Pahatha Maluwa Perahera –…
Galle Literary Festival 2026
Nestled within the historic ramparts of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Sri…