Is Vesak 2026 official holiday on May 1 or May 30?

While May 1 is a Poya day, the government has officially designated May 30, 2026, as the State Vesak Festival. This is due to the traditional nakatha for Enlightenment celebrations falling later in the month. You should target the weekend of May 30 for the largest thoranas and lantern competitions in Colombo. Many temples will still observe religious rituals on May 1.