Some Major Sri Lanka Holidays

Located just 31 kilometers off the coast of India

, Sri Lanka is a culturally and ethnically diverse nation shaped by Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic elements. Its rich cultural diversity, tropical climate, and natural beauty have made it a popular spot for international tourists. People visiting Sri Lanka for the first time may be surprised by the variety of festivals. Ceremonies and holidays observed by the Sri Lankan people. Every aspect of Sri Lankan life is marked by some sort of festival or ceremony. Three Sri Lanka holidays that tourists may find fascinating are Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Independence Day, and Esala Perahera.

The Tamil and Sinhalese peoples celebrate the New Year around April 13th as the sun travels between Pisces and Aries. It takes nearly 13 hours for the sun to travel across the astrological boundary between the two signs. This period is called the nonagatha or the neutral period. According to tradition this is a time for religious observances and playing traditional games.

A variety of rituals begin shortly after the dawn of the New Year. The approach of each auspicious time for each ritual is marked with the loud, unmistakable crack of fire crackers.

After the rituals are completed, homes are opened, the children are let out to play, and neighbors mingle in the streets. Plantains and celebratory feasts made up of small oil cakes called kavum, and sweetmeats called kokis are served.

Renown throughout Asia, Esala Perahera (Grand Procession of the Tooth) is a grand Buddhist festival held in late summer in the picturesque city of Kandy and is seen as a symbol of the entire nation. Taking place over several days, the festival commemorates the arrival of the Sacred Relic of the Buddha's Tooth. It includes ethnic dances, processions and elephants in beautiful and elaborate costumes.

On February 4th, Sri Lankans celebrate Sri Lanka's Independence Day. Commemorating the country's independence from British rule in 1948, Independence Day is observed throughout the country with dances, performances, flag raising ceremonies, and religious activities.

The main celebration in Colombo centers on the president as he raises the the flag and delivers a speech calling for unity among Sri Lanka's many ethnic groups, paying homage to Sri Lankan patriots and heroes, and describing the government's achievements and goals.

by: Orlan N Hardy

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