Sri Lanka Mercantile Holiday Calendar 2023: A Guide To Festivals And Celebrations
Introduction
As a Sri Lankan, I have always been fascinated by the diverse cultural traditions and festivities that take place throughout the year. One of the most important aspects of our culture is the holiday calendar, which is designed to commemorate significant events and occasions. In this article, I will provide a comprehensive guide to the Sri Lanka Mercantile Holiday Calendar for 2023, including details of the festivals and celebrations that will take place across the country.
What is the Sri Lanka Mercantile Holiday Calendar?
The Sri Lanka Mercantile Holiday Calendar is a list of public holidays that are observed in Sri Lanka. This calendar is widely used by businesses and organizations across the country to plan their activities and operations. The calendar is based on the lunar cycle, which means that the dates of the holidays may vary from year to year.
Important Holidays in 2023
Thai Pongal
Thai Pongal is a harvest festival that celebrates the first harvest of the year. It is usually celebrated on the 14th of January and is a public holiday in Sri Lanka. During the festival, people cook traditional dishes such as pongal and offer them to the gods. They also decorate their homes with kolams and hold cultural events and performances.
National Day
National Day is celebrated on the 4th of February to commemorate the country’s independence from British rule. It is a public holiday in Sri Lanka, and the day is marked by flag hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural events.
Vesak
Vesak is one of the most important Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. It is celebrated on the full moon day of May and is a public holiday in Sri Lanka. During the festival, people decorate their homes and streets with lanterns and hold religious ceremonies and processions.
Esala Perahera
Esala Perahera is a grand procession that takes place in the city of Kandy in July or August. It is a religious festival that honors the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. The procession features traditional dancers, drummers, and elephants that are adorned with colorful costumes and decorations.
List of Events and Festivals
In addition to the important holidays mentioned above, there are many other events and festivals that take place throughout the year in Sri Lanka. Some of the most popular ones include: – Sinhala and Tamil New Year – Kataragama Esala Festival – Navam Maha Perahera – Duruthu Perahera – Maha Shivaratri – Christmas
Question and Answer
Q: Why is the Sri Lanka Mercantile Holiday Calendar important? A: The Sri Lanka Mercantile Holiday Calendar is important because it helps businesses and organizations plan their activities and operations. It also helps individuals plan their personal schedules and make travel arrangements. Q: How is the Sri Lanka Mercantile Holiday Calendar determined? A: The Sri Lanka Mercantile Holiday Calendar is determined based on the lunar cycle. The dates of the holidays may vary from year to year. Q: What are some of the most popular festivals in Sri Lanka? A: Some of the most popular festivals in Sri Lanka include Vesak, Esala Perahera, and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka Mercantile Holiday Calendar is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. It is a testament to the diversity and vibrancy of our society, and it provides a unique opportunity to celebrate our traditions and customs. Whether you’re a Sri Lankan or a visitor to our country, I hope that this guide has helped you to understand and appreciate the significance of our holiday calendar.