The Hindu festival of lights, Deepavali is celebration of the triumph of good over evil and a time when prayers are offered to goddess Lakshmi for the renewal of health, wealth and prosperity. The festival with its origins in India is marked by illumination and the making of figurines of crystal sugar known as Misiri which are distributed as delicious sweets. Hindus celebrate this event by taking an oil bath and wearing new clothes in addition to going to the temple to make obeisance to their gods. It is also a time of visiting friends and family, carrying the blessings and spirit of the festival. Burning fire crackers too is a significant element of this festival which is open for the participation of all.

Marking the birth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Poson poya day is much celebrated event and dates back in 3rd Century BC when king Devanampiyatissa was converted to Buddhism by Arahat Maha Mahinda, the son of King Asoka, the Emperor of India, after which Buddhism was declared the State religion.

The entire country celebrates this significant milestone, but it all culminates at Mihintale, known as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, for it is believed to be there that the conversion took place. In fact it is in the Ambasthale Dagoba, the temple in Mihintale, accessible by 1840 steps, that it is in believed that the historic encounter took place.

On Poson poya day, many devotees make their way to temple to spend reflective hours in meditation while there are also several sil campaigns, Dan Sal, Poson devotional songs and pandols among others.

The holy Muslim month of Ramadan is a fantastic opportunity to feast on fresh street food in Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow and Hyderabad. During Ramadan, Muslims traditionally fast daily from sunrise until sunset. In the evenings, the streets in traditional Muslim areas are flooded with people and the tantalizing aroma of meat being freshly roasted to feed the famished. The revelry continues all night. Ramadan concludes with he festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, with more feasting and shopping.

Sinhala Aluth Avurudu is a joyful festival celebrated by both Sinhalese and Tamil Sri Lankans to ensure a good harvest and to bring prosperity and happiness to the country. The date of the holiday was determined by astrologists. Sinhala Avurudu occurs when the Sun moves from Meena Rashiya to Mesha Rashiya finishing a 12-month cycle. The holiday falls between April 13th and 14th.

Sri Lanka celebrates the gaining of her independence from Colonial rule with magnificent pomp and pageantry and the spirit of patriotism resonates in every street corner on the island’s National Day. The national flag is hoisted and the national anthem sung, the traditional lamp is lit and the processions begin, complete with meticulously coordinated military parades, firing of canons and various religious and cultural performances, all to pay a tribute to forefathers of the land for their glorious feat. The celebrations open to all, continued year after year, signifying the continued united efforts as the people of one nation come together to celebrate her cherished sovereignty.