Celebrated in April, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year—also known as “Aluth Avurudu—marks the start of the year for both Sri Lankan people.

Usually occurring in July or August, the Kandy Esala Perahera is among Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking festivities.

May’s nightfall causes the streets of Sri Lanka to sparkle with the brilliance of exquisitely made lanterns, a visual feast marking the approach of Vesak.

Celebrated in June, Poson recalls the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the third century BCE thanks to monk Mahinda.