Kandy Events and Festivals

Tamil Thai Pongal Day: this age-old festival is observed by Kandy’s Tamil residents. It’s a four-day affair and sees the preparation and consumption of traditional foods as well as family get-togethers and outings.

Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day: this Buddhist festival marks the arrival of the full moon and is celebrated as a public holiday across the country. Every completion of the lunar cycle is celebrated in the same way, marked by a public holiday that is enjoyed by all.

Maha Shivratri: is a Hindu festival that honours Lord Shiva and is observed with a period of fasting, an all night long vigil and the offering of bael leaves to the deity. The festival falls of the 13^th night of the month of Maagha in the Hindu calendar.

Navam Full Moon Poya Day: full moon celebrations are observed as a public holiday across the country and many businesses may close for this day in Kandy.

Medin Full Moon Poya Day: full moon celebrations are marked with a public holiday across the country. Many businesses may close on this day in Kandy.

Milād an-Nabī: members of the local Islamic community mark the birth of the Prophet Mohammed with a holiday from work and lively but reverent celebrations.

Bak Full Moon Poya Day: full moon celebrations are observed with a public holiday. Businesses typically close for the day in Kandy.

Vesak: this important Buddhist festival celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha and is marked by the lighting of lanterns made from bamboo and crepe paper, as well as traditional religious rites.

Vesak Full Moon Poya Day: full moon celebrations with across the country. Many businesses may close for the day in Kandy.

The Esala Perahera: undoubtedly the highlight of Kandy calendar, this 10-day long festival is a Buddhist celebration that is famous across the nation. The festival’s most notable point is its grand procession that sees literally hundreds of dancers, drummers and elephants assembled to honour the city’s sacred tooth relic. The fire dancing, whip dancing and traditional Kandian dancing are truly magnificent spectacles to behold.

Poson Full Moon Poya Day: full moon celebrations with a public holiday across the country. Many businesses may close for the day in Kandy.

Esala Full Moon Poya Day: a public holiday is enjoyed by all on full moon celebrations. Some businesses may be closed on this holiday in Kandy.

Nikini Full Moon Poya Day: the monthly moon cycle is observed with various celebrations. A nationwide public holiday, visitors can expect many businesses to be close on this day in Kandy.

Binara Full Moon Poya Day: is a public holiday that pays homage to the full moon. As this day is also a public holiday, visitors can expect transport and amenities to be disrupted in Kandy.

Ramadan: Kandy’s Muslim residents observe the holy month of Ramadan, a period in which they practice fasting and abstinence. Local businesses under Muslim ownership may operate limited hours during this time.

Diwali: the festival of lights is an important Hindu celebration that marks the triumph of Lord Rama over his evil adversaries. The festival also pays tribute to the Goddess Lakshmi, with Hindu households lighting candles in honour of the deity.

Eid ul-Fitr: Kandy’s Muslim residents mark the end of the Ramadan period with lively celebrations involving get-togethers and family feasts.

Christmas Day: while Kandy has just a small Christian community, the Christmas season is marked with decorations and a public holiday enjoyed on the 25th of the month.