Is Vesak being celebrated on May 1 or May 30 in 2026?

While May 1 is a Poya day, the official State Vesak Festival will be observed on May 30, 2026. After consultations with the Buddhist clergy and Sangha Sabhas, it was determined that the traditional visa nakatha aligns with the May 30 date. Religious events and state sponsored ceremonies will primarily be held then. However, you can expect lanterns and thoranas in Colombo to be active during both periods as May 1 is also a major holiday.