Is Vesak 2026 on May 1 or May 30?
I see two different dates for Vesak Poya online. Which one is the official state festival for lanterns in Colombo.
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1 Answer from travellers
While May 1 is a Poya day, the official 2026 State Vesak Festival will be celebrated on May 30. This decision was made to align with the traditional astrological nakatha for the Buddha Birth and Enlightenment celebrations. You can expect the biggest thoranas and lantern competition in Colombo during the weekend of May 30.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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