What is the biggest cultural event in Sri Lanka.
We want to plan our trip around a major festival. Which one is the most spectacular.
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3 Answers from travellers
The Kandy Esala Perahera in August is universally considered the most magnificent cultural event in Asia. It is a ten day Buddhist festival featuring thousands of traditional dancers, drummers, and beautifully illuminated elephants parading through the streets.
Vesak, celebrated in May, is also incredibly beautiful. The entire country lights up with millions of colorful paper lanterns and massive, intricate illuminated panels called pandals to celebrate the birth of Buddha.
If you visit in April, the Sinhala and Hindu New Year offers a completely different, highly interactive village experience focused on traditional games, auspicious rituals, and eating sweet local delicacies.
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