When is the main Vesak light festival in Colombo for 2026?

While May 1 is a Poya day, the official 2026 State Vesak Festival is set for May 30. This is because the Buddhist clergy aligned the Enlightenment celebrations with the second full moon cycle of the month. The massive thoranas and the competition lanterns in Colombo will be most active during the week of May 30. If you are here on May 1, you will see religious ceremonies, but for the light displays, aim for the end of May.