Information about Sri Lankan Festivals.

Sri Lanka is an island country located in southern Asia and has a rich cultural heritage. The country hosts various festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Here are some important festivals held in Sri Lanka:

1. Vesak Poya: This festival is the most important Buddhist festival of Sri Lanka and is celebrated all over the country. Vesak Poya is held to commemorate Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment and attainment of nirvana. During the festival, temples are illuminated, pujas are performed and religious events are held.

2. Esala Perahera: This festival is held every year in July or August in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Esala Perahera is performed at the Zahire Temple, where it is believed that Lord Buddha's tooth is kept in relic. During the festival, a parade of relics is held and a colorful show is presented with dancers, musicians and decorative elephant decorations.

3. Sinhala and Tamil New Year: In Sri Lanka, Sinhala and Tamil New Year is celebrated in the month of April and has great importance throughout the island. This festival marks the moment when the Sun enters Capricorn. It is celebrated jointly between the Sinhala and Tamil communities and is enlivened by traditional games, musical events and family get-togethers.

4. Duruthu Perahera: This festival is held every year in January in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Duruthu Perahera is a procession that takes place through the streets of Colombo, starting from the Sri Dalada Maligawa Temple. The festival offers a colorful show featuring local dancers, musicians and costumed figures.

5. Thai Pongal: Celebrated by the Tamil community, Thai Pongal takes place in January in Sri Lanka. This festival celebrates the harvest season and the period when the sun rises. During the festival, Pongal, a rice porridge, is cooked and then families come together to play traditional games and listen to music. These festivals held in Sri Lanka reflect the country's rich cultural diversity and religious beliefs. Each festival is an important opportunity for local people to come together, keep traditions alive and celebrate them with enthusiasm.