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Sinhala & Tamil New Year
April 13 2011 to April 14, 2011
The two main ethnic groups in Sri Lanka, the Sinhalese and Tamils celebrate a common traditional New Year in the month of April originally harvesting thanks giving. This marks the passage of the sun from Pisces to Aries. Traditional customs are observed on this day with merrymaking and fun and games and lavish hospitality
Wesak Festival
May 17 2011 to May 18, 2011
Wesak Lanterns Wesak commemorates the birth of the Prince Siddhartha, his attaining enlightenment and passing away into Nibbana as Gauthama Buddha. It is a day of great sanctity devoted to religious observances and charity. The day is also celebrated with festivity with numerous colourful decorations and illuminations, pandals and pageants. Wayside stalls distribute food and refreshments to the pilgrims and passers by.
Kataragama Festival
July 2 2011 to July 14, 2011
The Kataragama festival is another of the major Esala Festivals. Kataragama in the South-East corner of the island is a jungle shrine dedicated to God Skanda and is a popular pilgrim centre for Buddhists and Hindus. Fire walking and the annual perahera in July/August are some of its highlights.
Esala Perahera (Kandy)
From 31st July 2011 to 14th August 2011
Esala (July/August) is the seasons of festivals in Sri Lanka and the full moon day of Esala is the climax of some of the festivals. The most magnificent of these festivals is the Kandy Esala Perahera. A spectacular medieval day pageant is held for 10 nights climaxing with the Kandyan dancers and drummers in colourful traditional costumes. Kandyan Chieftains in medieval court dress, more than one hundred caparisoned elephants whip crackers, torch bearers etc., make it an unforgettable experience.
A list of up to date Events in Sri Lanka:
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Religious Holiday Dates 2011-2012
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