When do the Vesak lanterns start appearing in Colombo?

Vesak 2026 falls on May 1. Preparation for the giant thoranas usually starts two to three weeks in advance. If you walk around Beira Lake or the Gangaramaya area now, you will see the scaffolding and frames being built. The small lanterns in homes usually go up a few days before the Poya day. It is a beautiful time to watch the city transform.