2023 Calendar Holidays Sri Lanka: A Guide To Festivals And Events
Introduction
As a Sri Lankan, I have always been fascinated by the diverse range of festivals and events that take place in my country. From religious celebrations to cultural events, there is always something happening in Sri Lanka. In this article, I will explore the 2023 calendar holidays in Sri Lanka and provide insights into the various festivals and events that you can experience.
What are the major festivals and events in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse religious traditions. The country celebrates a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the major festivals and events in Sri Lanka in 2023 include:
- Thai Pongal โ January 14th
- National Day โ February 4th
- Sinhala and Tamil New Year โ April 13th and 14th
- Vesak Poya โ May 12th
- Eid al-Fitr โ May 31st
- Poson Poya โ June 10th
- Eid al-Adha โ July 20th
- Navarathri Festival โ October 6th to 14th
- Deepavali โ October 22nd
- Christmas โ December 25th
Thai Pongal
Thai Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by Tamils in Sri Lanka. It falls on January 14th and marks the end of the harvest season. The festival is celebrated by cooking a sweet dish made from rice and milk called Pongal. Thai Pongal is a time for family gatherings and thanking the gods for a bountiful harvest.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year
Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a major cultural festival celebrated by both Sinhalese and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka. It falls on April 13th and 14th and marks the end of the harvest season. The festival is celebrated with traditional games, food, and rituals. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate the start of a new year.
Vesak Poya
Vesak Poya is a Buddhist festival celebrated in Sri Lanka to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. It falls on May 12th and is a public holiday in Sri Lanka. The festival is celebrated with illuminated lanterns and decorations, and people visit temples to offer prayers and make offerings.
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are two major Islamic festivals celebrated in Sri Lanka. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, while Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Both festivals are celebrated with prayers, feasting, and family gatherings.
Navarathri Festival
Navarathri Festival is a Hindu festival celebrated over nine nights and ten days. It falls in the month of October and is a time to worship the nine forms of the goddess Durga. The festival is celebrated with colorful decorations, traditional dances, and fasting.
Deepavali
Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Hindu festival celebrated in Sri Lanka. It falls on October 22nd and marks the victory of light over darkness. The festival is celebrated with lighting lamps, fireworks, and exchanging sweets and gifts.
Christmas
Christmas is a major Christian festival celebrated in Sri Lanka. It falls on December 25th and marks the birth of Jesus Christ. The festival is celebrated with church services, carols, and feasting.
Question & Answer
Q: Are all of these festivals and events public holidays in Sri Lanka? A: Yes, all of the festivals and events mentioned in this article are public holidays in Sri Lanka. Q: Which festival is the most popular in Sri Lanka? A: It is difficult to say which festival is the most popular in Sri Lanka as each festival is celebrated with equal enthusiasm and joy.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse religious traditions. The festivals and events celebrated in Sri Lanka are a reflection of this diversity. Whether you are a local or a tourist, experiencing these festivals and events is a must. So, mark your calendars and join in the celebrations!