Festivals and Events of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s civilization endows the island with a legacy of impressive festivals relating with a legacy of impressive festivals relating to the Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian religions. Furthermore, these festivals are commemorated with the flair of the people with genius for pageantry and ritual.
Every full moon day is a public holiday known as poya. The most important is in May-Vesak-which marks the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing away. Worth seeing are the illuminated pandals (bamboo frameworks), hung with pictures depicting events in the Buddha’s life.
Sri Lanka’s most tourist-oriented festival is the Kandy Esala Perahera, held in Kandy over 10 days in late July to early August and climaxing on Esala poya. Perahera means “procession” and that’s exactly what occurs-a magic passing by of drummers, dancers, whip-crackers and robed elephants. A caparisoned tusker carries the reason for festival, the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, for the people to venerate.
Birdhouse 