Sri Lanka Design Festival - 2012

Sri Lanka Design Festival has become the island’s biggest and most successful annual celebration of uniquely Sri Lankan design and creativity. It brings together a range of exciting events that showcase Sri Lanka’s creative industries. SLDF will return for its fourth edition in November 2012.

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Bellanwila Esala Perahera - 2012

The Annual Bellanwila Perahera will be held in grandeur this year too. The Paavada Perahera of the Esala Festival is now in progress.The Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thera of the Bellanwila Raja Maha Vihare said that the final Randoli Perahera will be held on Saturday.

The prelate pointed out that all arrangements have been finalized by the Esala Perahera Committee for the conduct of the Esala Festival of the Raja Maha Vihare on a grand scale. He revealed that 60 dancing troupes will be participating in the Perahera. The Thera expected around 60 elephants to join the final Randoli Perahera which is scheduled to be held on Saturday the 25th.

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Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya

This village has become the cynosure of all – Buddhist – non Buddhist, locals and foreigners – because of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya located therein. This temple is considered a place of great sanctity and veneration. And this is mainly due to its sacred Bodhi – tree.

Historical records reveal that this Bodhi – tree is one of the 32 saplings that sprang from the sacted Bodhi – tree at Anuradhapura planted in the 3rd century B.C. The 32 saplings were distributed throughout the Island over 2000 years ago, and the one at Bellanwila temple is one of these 32 saplings.

The belief in the sanctity of the Bodhi - tree and the temple precincts is so long – cherished and deep – rooted in the minds of the people, it is generally believed that a child who treads the ground under shade of this sacred Bodhi – tree will never fail in life.

The precincts where the Bodhi – tree and the temple are located have been considered a hallowed site from very early times, but there aren’t many historical record or archeological findings to reconstruct the chronological history of Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya. Other than a few sporadic reference to it in connection with planting of the Bodhi – tree spling, there aren’t any specific references to it in early times.

Its history shrouded by the mist of time, gets a little clearer by about the 15th century, when Kotte not far away from Bellanwila, became the capital under the reign of King Parakramabahu VI (1412-1476). But the subjugation of the maritime provinces by the Portuguese, in the latter part of the 17th century, adversely affected Buddhism in the region, and these circumstances made Bellanwila temple to go into oblivion again.

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Katharagama Esala Festival - 2012

At the Kataragama Shrine in the Deep South honours the God Katharagama worshipped by Budhists and Hindus with equal fervor and devotion. During the two-week festival, thousands of Hindu devotees bear chariots; pierce their flesh with hooks, s and commit acts of penitence mostly to hounor vows beseeching the benevolence of the God Skandha.

The devotional rituals conducted in a frenzied air of urgency reaches its end with h the “water-cutting” ceremony. A holy casket is dipped in the Manica Ganga the sacred river. Accompanying this ritual in the river are the thousands of pilgrims who submerge themselves – with their arms raised and crying “Haro Hara” in obeisance to the God of many names – God Skandha, Lord Murugan and God Katharagama.

At around 4 am after the river ablutions are concluded, the square in front of the main temple is cleared and carefully covered with burning Tamarind fire wood. Ccleansed pilgrims slowly make their way, barefoot, across the burning embers. The piety and devotion protects the soles of their feet. The souls relived.

2012 Esala Festival Dates 

Flag-hoisting 19 July 

Maha Perahera 1 August 

Water Cutting 2 August

Kataragama Dewalaya

Kataragama God

Kataragama Kiriwehera Dagoba

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Devinuwara Esala Festival - 2012

The Kap planting ceremony of the Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya in Devinuwara, in connection with the Esala festival will be held on July 19.


The first Peli perahera will be held on July 26 and the other Peli peraheras will parade the streets from July 27. The Randoli Maha perahera, with elephants, up country and low country and Sabaragamuwa dancers will be held on August 1st.The festival will conclude with the Deva danaya on August 10. Deva Thovilaya will be on previous night 9 August.

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HIKKA FEST 2012

A fun-filled fiesta for adults, kids, and grandparents. The world famous southern coastal town of Hikkaduwa, is all agog with preparations, to hold Hikkaduwa Beach Festival (better known as the Hikka fest). The sun-kissed beaches of Hikkaduwa will vibrate to the pulsating rhythms of DJs, dancers, and musicians from July 27th to 29th. The event will cater to both local and foreign visitors as well as to persons of all age groups – a family outing – a break from the monotony. There will be something for everyone from sand-castle building, movie night to a jazz festival. Day 1 – Friday 27 July, 2012 06.00 p.m. – Cocktails for Invitees 08.00 p.m. – Street parade and opening ceremony 09.30 p.m. – Traditional Mask Fashion Show 10.00 p.m. – Traditional Drums show – “ Nadro” 11.00 p.m. – Bathiya & Santhush 11.45 p.m. – Entertain by DJ Dilruk, DJ Miran, International DJ, DJ Missy Flame (Female) 05.00 a.m. – Wind down Day 2 – Saturday 28 July, 2012 11.00 a.m. – Beach Volleyball 02.00 p.m. – Beach Football 04.00 p.m. – Beach Rugby 06.00 p.m. – Sri Lankan Devil Dance Show 07.30 p.m. – Restaurant Promotion 09.00 p.m. – Gini Sisila 09.30 p.m. – Laser Light Show and Drums 10.00 p.m. – Iraj & Surani 11.00 p.m. – Entertain by DJ Shiyam, International DJ, DJ Missy Flame (Female), DJ Kaz, DJ Dex-T 11.00 p.m. – DJ with Dancing Show Day 3 – Sunday 29 July, 2012 11.00 a.m. – Jazz and Rage Previous Parties Source - Click here

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Kandy Esala Perahera 2012

Kandy Perahera

Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Period: July/August of each year; Year 2012: 19th July 2012 to 2nd August 2012 [Commences on Esala Full Moon Poya Day on the month of July and Concludes on Nikini Full Moon Poya Day on the month of August.]

Dates of the Kandy Esala Perahera 2012: From 19th July 2012 to 02nd August 2012

Date Event 2012-07-19 Kapsituvima (Planting of the 'Kapa') 2012-07-19 to 2012-07-22 Internal Perahera of Four Devales 2012-07-23 1st Kumbal Perahera 2012-07-24 2nd Kumbal Perahera 2012-07-25 3rd Kumbal Perahera 2012-07-26 4th Kumbal Perahera 2012-07-27 5th Kumbal Perahera 2012-07-28 1st Randoli Perahera 2012-07-29 2nd Randoli Perahera 2012-07-30 3rd Randoli Perahera 2012-07-31 4th Randoli Perahera 2012-08-01 5th Randoli Perahera 2012-08-02 Day Perahera (Water Cutting Ceremony "Diya Kepeema")

Kandy Perahera Tickets :

For advance purchase, transportation to Kandy and tours in Sri Lanka contact Lakpura Travels (Pvt.) Ltd., Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

The best time to see Kandy Esala Perahera: the last two nights
Festival: the grandest Buddhist procession of Sri Lanka
Significance: display of Sacred tooth Relic of Buddha

The timings of the Kandy Perahera are notified by no less than booming cannon fire, which is heard all over the city of Kandy.
1. The commencement of the festival
2. The placing of the golden casket upon the back of the tusker.
3. The commencement of the procession of Kandy Perahera
4. The completion of the Kandy Perahera

The order of the procession of Kandy Perahera

Kandy Perahera procession features five processions organized by the Maligawa Perahera or Perahera of the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, the most venerated Buddhist temple of Sri Lanka and four shrines dedicated to Hindu Gods and a Goddess, i.e. the Shrine of God Natha, the Shrine of God Maha Vishnu, the Shrine of God Katharagama and the Shrine of Goddess Pattini. By 8pm, the Maligawa Perahera or the procession of Sacred Temple of the Tooth of the Buddhists takes the lead and joined by the processions of four Hindu shrines.

The second procession is from the shrine dedicated to God Natha. The 14th Century shrine that faces the Sri Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Tooth is said to be the oldest building in Kandy.

The third is from the shrine dedicated to God Vishnu. Vishnu Devale also known as the Maha Devale is located close to the Natha Devale.

The fourth procession is from the Kataragama Devale dedicated to the God of Skanda, the deity of Kataragama. Kataragama shrine is located on Kottugodalle Street of Kandy. This procession includes Kavadi, the peacock dance, in which the pilgrim dancers carry semicircular wooden contraptions studded with peacock feathers on their shoulders.

The fifth and final procession is from the shine dedicated to goddess Pattini. Pattini shrine is located to the west of the Natha Devale.

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Hot Air Balloon rides in Sri Lanka

Taking a balloon flight over the countryside will leave you in awe. Sunrise and sunset balloon flights are the most breathtaking of all, where you will see the light change and the whole landscape take on a completely different aura.

Share this experience with a loved one for a truly romantic time, celebrating an anniversary or birthday with champagne and make it an experience you will never forget. Treat family or friends or treat yourself to an indulgent balloon flight over your local countryside spotting sights of nature that are normally hidden from view.

Hot air ballooning in Sri Lanka has enjoyed increasing popularity over recent years, but techniques have changed slightly since the first adventurers braved the elements and scaled the heights.

With today's busy lifestyle, hot air ballooning is a past time that can truly take you away from it all. There are many enthusiasts the world over that partake in hot air ballooning events and to watch one of these events, with their many colourful balloons, is truly a magnificent sight, like no other.

Imagine floating in air, feeling completely weightless and gliding through the atmosphere putting all your cares into perspective. With barely a wisp of a breeze to touch your skin, balloon rides are one way of finding yourself at one with nature and seeing the world from a bird's eye view.

Balloon rides in Sri Lanka are becoming more popular and with our private launch sites within the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka - Kandalama, Sigiriya, Dambulla; The FORT - Galle; Sinhalese Kingdom of Ruhuna –Tissamaharama; Buttala/Yala: The Sugar and Safari Village as the Sri Lankan country side is often referred to, we offer the most sensational flyover experience.

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Poson Festival in Sri Lanka

Mihintale - Anuradhapura

 Poson Thorana

Poson full-moon poya day (Poson Poya Day/Poson Festival) is celebrated the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC, a festival of great historical and religious significance celebrated island-wide by Buddhists. Poson, held on the full moon day of June, commemorates the occasion over 2,000 years ago when Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Asoka of India, converted King Devanampiyatissa to Buddhism. The main center of celebration is Mihintale, the ancient monastic complex where the royal missionary monk Mahinda perched the first sermon to the ruling king and at Anuradhapura the ancient capital, to which large crowd of pilgrims converge. Mass religious observances, illuminations pageants are part of the celebrations.

For Buddhists, this hallowed day of Poson is second only to Vesak in terms of importance. Although Poson is celebrated throughout the island, the major ceremonies are to be found in Anuradhapura and Mihintale. Long lines of devotees dressed in white climb the many steps to the top of the Mihintale hill first to the temple, and then to the dagobas that lie adorn the nearby hillocks. In addition, many devotees climb to the very top of the rock, to the spot where Arahat Mahinda delivered his initial discourses.

Poson Poya is celebrated annually with great fervour throughout the island but particularly in Mihinthalaya where Mahinda Thero first put his foot to preach the word of Lord Buddha.This is why Mihinthalaya is called the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. With the establishment of Bhikku Sasanaya all other elements of a civilized society began to emerge with the art of writing,art, architecture, river civilization, religious rituals in song and dance forms, literature, all with royal patronage. 

Also in the Sithul Pawwa Raja Maha Viharaya in the edge of the Hambantota district celebrated annually with great fervour, the poson festival.

Many religious activities are organized during this poson period in Sri Lanka such as Sil campaigns, Bodhi Poojas, Dansalas (Freely giving foods, coffee, tea from people ), Poson devotional songs, Poson pandols ( thoran) and lanterns. Lot of Poson pandols and Poson Lanterns are making Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka.

In Poson many temples are filled with Atasil devotees and pilgrims all over Sri Lanka to mark this great event. The devout, clad in pure white with no make-up or jewelry,make their way to the temple,to spend the next twenty four hours in quiet contemplation. While the rest of the village, gather at the temple grounds after sunset to participate in lesser religious activities, like reading of holy books, or listen to the saffron clad monk relate ancient stories from Lord Buddha's previous lives. During the Poson Festival, the selling of alcohol and flesh is usually prohibited, with abattoirs also being closed.

A festival of great piety and sanctity which focuses on the virtual of compassion to all living creature,it is also one of much colour and gaiety, with street, homes and public places decorated with beautiful and finely decorated hand-made paper lanterns small and big and glittering with illuminations, pandals depicting the different occurrences in the life of the Buddha or his previous births. 

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Vesak Festival in Sri Lanka

Vesak is celebrated as a religious and a cultural festival in Sri Lanka on the full moon of the lunar month of Vesak (Usually fall on Gregory month of May), for a duration about one week.During this week, the selling of alcohol and fresh meat is usually prohibited, with abattoirs also being closed. Celebrations include various religious and alms giving activities. Electrically lit pandols called toranas are erected in various locations mainly in Colombo, Kandy, Galle and elsewhere, most sponsored by donors, religious societies and welfare groups. Each pandol illustrates a story from the 550 Jataka Katha or the 550 Past Life Stories of the Buddha. In addition, colourful lanterns called Vesak koodu are hung along streets and in front of homes. They signify the light of the Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha. Food stalls set up by Buddhist devotees called dansälas provide free food and drinks to passersby. Groups of people from various community organisations, businesses and government departments sing bhakti gee or Buddhist devotional songs. Colombo experiences a massive influx of public from all parts of the country during this week.

Vesak Pandols (Thorana) in Sri Lanka

In Vesak Season in Sri Lanka, Electrically lit Vesak pandols called toranas are erected in various locations in Colombo and elsewhere, most sponsored by donors, religious societies and welfare groups. Each pandol illustrates a story from the 550 Jathaka Katha or the 550 Past Life Stories of the Buddha. While watching illuminated thoranas the recitation of Sinhala verses to the beat of the rabanas throughout the night became popular. 

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Sinhala & Tamil New Year Festival

In month of Bak in the Buddhist calendar (or the month of April according to the gregorian calendar), when the sun moves (in an astrological sense) from the Meena Rashiya (House of Pisces) to the Mesha Rashiya (House of Aries) in the celestial sphere; Sri Lankan people of Sri Lanka begin celebrating Sinhala New Year or Aluth Avurudu (in Sinhala). It marks the end of the harvest season and also coincides with one of two instances when the sun is directly above Sri Lanka.
However, unlike the celebration of the new gregorian calender year at midnight on December 31, the Sinhalese traditional New Year begins at a time determined by astrological calculations. Also unlike 31st night celebrations, where old year ends at midnight and new year begins immediately afterwards; the ending of the old year, and the beginning of the new year occur several hours apart from one another (this span of time is usually 12 hours and 48 minutes, which starts when the sun, as a disk, starts to cross the astrological boundary between 'House of Pisces' and 'House of Aries' and ends when the crossing is complete. The halfway point is considered as the dawn of the new year). This period is, referred to as the Nonagathe (or the 'neutral period'). During this time Sri Lankans are, according to tradition, encouraged to refrain from material pursuits, and engage solely in either religious activities or traditional games.

Cultural rituals begin shortly after the beginning of the Sinhala new year with the cleaning of the house and lighting of an oil lamp. In some communities, women congregate to play upon on the Raban (type of a drum) to announce the incipient change in the year. All the families as one carries out variety of rituals in exact timings of which are determined by astrological calculations - from lighting the fire to making the Kiribath (milk rice) to entering into the first business transaction and eating the first morsels. The rituals vary slightly based on the locale. However the core of the celebrations remains the same.
The approach of the each auspicious time for various rituvals is heralded by the unmistakable sign of very loud firecrackers. Although loud firecrackers are an environmental concern, and a safety hazard, especially for children, this remains an integral part of the celebrations throughout Sri Lanka.
Once the important rituals are done, the partying begins as families mingle in the streets, homes are thrown open and children are let out to play. The ubiquitous plantain is dished out alongside celebratory feasts of Kavum (small oil cake) and Kokis (crisp and light sweetmeat, originally from the Netherlands). However, the extent of outdoor activities depends largely on the neighborhood. The suburban communities tend to have such social gatherings than urban or city dwellers.
Aluth Aurudu is an important national holiday for both the cultures of the Sinhalese people and the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. The celebrations are given wide coverage and patronage from state owned media as well as private media.

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