Sri Lanka Cultural Holiday - Festivals Not to Be Missed

Every country has its own unique cultures andVesak lanterns. Temples give free meals to
traditions. When traveling to another country such aspassers-by.o Esala-celebrated during the month of July
Sri Lanka, it is necessary to understand the culture andor August, this is offered to the Warrior god
traditions to enjoy the authentic Sri Lanka culturalKataragama. During these two months, the biggest
holiday. It is one thing to be part of a country's cultureand most special festivals are held, including the
and another to respect the culture and tradition thatFestival of the August Moon. This is held for two
other people in other countries have.weeks with processions that are highlighted with fire
Sri Lankans are known to be the smiling people. Theywalking ceremony, in respect to the Warrior god.o
enjoy a unique and humble lifestyle that touches art,Unduvap- celebrated during the month of December,
entertainment, and music. Sri Lankans are known to bethis is celebrated in commemoration to Sangamitta
hospitable people. Aside from that, the country iswho is Asoka's daughter. She was the one who
known to have festivals that lasts the whole yearbought a sapling from a Bodhi Tree and brought it to
round. Travelers enjoy staying in Sri Lanka because ofSri Lanka.o Muslim Festivals- since Muslims isolate
the several bright and colorful traditions that theythemselves from the public, most of their festivals are
celebrate. Most of these festivities are religiouslynot displayed to the public. Some of these festivities
related and are based on the lunar calendar, Buddhism,include Milad-un-Nabi, which is celebrated during
Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. The following are someDecember to commemorate the birth of Mohammed,
festivals that are celebrated in Sri Lanka:oId-ul-Fitr or the end of Ramadam (Holy Fasting) and
Poson-celebrated during the month of June, this is inHaj, the traditional Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.
commemoration of the introduction of Buddhism to SriThe above traditions are a symbolism of Sri Lanka's
Lankans. Processions are also held all over the countrypreservation of their much-respected culture. Travelers
during this event.o Duruthu-celebrated on the month ofto Sri Lanka are awed with the festivities and has
January, this marks Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka.made them come back to experience them once
This is celebrated by means of a procession withagain. The customs in Sri Lanka have been part of the
drummers, dancers, and elephants that lasts for threeSri Lankan society for thousands of years. In fact,
nights.o Vesak-celebrated during the month of May,most cultures and traditions that they preserve are
this marks the death of the Buddha. Sri Lankansinvolved in their day-to-day activities, both in the social
celebrate this by decorating their houses with brightand religious aspect.