Is it true bars and alcohol shut down on full moon Poya days
4 Answers
It is real. Every full-moon (Poya) day is a public holiday and nationwide the sale of alcohol is prohibited, so liquor shops close and bars/restaurants stop serving. Some tourist hotels quietly serve in-room or via room service to guests, but do not count on it. Meat sales and some businesses also wind down. Plan ahead: if you want a drink, buy the day before. The upside is the temples are beautiful, devotees dress in white, and it is a peaceful, photogenic day to visit a temple respectfully (cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes and hats).
Vesak Poya in May is the biggest one with lanterns and free food stalls (dansal) everywhere. If your trip overlaps it, do not see it as a loss, it is one of the most magical evenings to be here.
I got caught out and the supermarket alcohol aisle was literally roped off. Now I just check the Poya dates for the month when I plan. There is roughly one a month.
Good to know, I will buy ahead and use the day to visit a temple instead. Dank je.
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