Festivals and Events in Colombo

Colombo, the capitals of Sri Lanka is sprinkled with numerous vibrant festivals and events all through the year as Esala is the name for the festival season in Sri Lanka, which falls on the island in July and August. Kandy Esala Perahera, the grandest and most important festival-cum-pageant in Colombo takes place at the end of Esala.The celebration of this grand festivals stretches for ten days as it comprises of a sparkling blend of festivities, dancers, processions, torch-bearers and animals.

The magnificent medieval pageant is segmented into a number of smaller festivals across the ten days, and is kicked off by the Kumbal Festival on July 31st and is closely followed by Randoli Festival, the Grand Festival and the dramatic Day Festival. The climax of the celebrations is marked by the tooth relic of Buddha being carried through the city as an integral part of a procession of hundreds of elephants in dressage, musicians in traditional attires and dancers. Diwali is celebrated for five days in the Hindu month of Ashwayuja which usually falls in October or November and it is grand festival which is celebrated with loads of pomp and grandeur amidst the Hindu communities in Colombo. The Poson Festival commemorates the conversion of Sri Lanka to Buddhism in the 3rd century BC. Illuminations and processions take place all over the country and Colombo transforms into altogether different world as the festive spirits engulfs the entire city.

Apart from the numerous festivals that form an integral part of the diverse culture in Colombo, numerous events are also arranged in all seasons of the year. Armed with the slogan "Peace and Equity to Fight Child Hunger", Walk the World is a global event hosted by Fight Hunger to raise awareness about child hunger. The magnificent culinary delights of the World Spice Festival draw on a fusion of Sri Lankan spices and cooking methods as well as the talents of visiting chefs and the signature spices. Navam Perahera is Colombo's grandest outdoor parade and commemorates the country's gaining of independence on the 4 February 1948.