March Calendar 2024 Holidays Sri Lanka
March Calendar 2024 Holidays Sri Lanka
As someone who loves to travel and explore new cultures, I was thrilled to plan my trip to Sri Lanka during the month of March in 2024. I was particularly excited to experience the festivals and events that take place during this time of year.
Events and Festivals in March Calendar 2024 Holidays Sri Lanka
March is an exciting month in Sri Lanka, with several festivals and events taking place. Here are some of the highlights:
- National Day – March 2nd
- Maha Shivaratri – March 4th
- Holi Festival – March 18th
- Sinhala and Tamil New Year – April 13th and 14th (but celebrations begin in March)
National Day
National Day is a public holiday in Sri Lanka, celebrated on March 2nd. It commemorates the day Sri Lanka gained independence from British colonial rule in 1948. The day is marked by flag hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances.
Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. It falls on March 4th in 2024. Devotees visit temples, offer prayers and perform rituals throughout the night to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
Holi Festival
Holi is a Hindu festival of colors, celebrated on March 18th in 2024. People throw colored powder and water on each other, dance to music, and enjoy traditional sweets. It’s a fun-filled festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year
Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the biggest cultural festival in Sri Lanka, celebrated in mid-April (but preparations and celebrations begin in March). The festival marks the beginning of the new year according to the Sinhalese and Tamil calendars. It’s a time for family reunions, traditional games, and delicious food. People also decorate their homes and light oil lamps to welcome the new year.
Events and Festivals Celebration in March Calendar 2024 Holidays Sri Lanka
During my trip to Sri Lanka in March 2024, I had the opportunity to experience some of these festivals and events firsthand. National Day was celebrated with great fervor and patriotism. I witnessed a flag hoisting ceremony in Colombo, followed by a parade of school children in colorful uniforms. The cultural performances that followed showcased the diversity and richness of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
On Maha Shivaratri, I visited a temple in Kandy. The temple was beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. I saw devotees offering prayers and performing rituals. The atmosphere was serene and peaceful.
Holi was undoubtedly the most vibrant and colorful festival I’ve ever experienced. I joined a group of locals who were celebrating in the streets of Galle. We threw colored powder and water on each other, danced to music, and enjoyed traditional sweets. It was a joyous and carefree celebration that brought people together.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year was the highlight of my trip. I spent the day with a local family in their home in the countryside. We prepared traditional sweets and savories, played games, and lit oil lamps. The family also showed me how to wear a traditional saree and taught me a few Sinhalese phrases. It was a heartwarming experience that gave me a glimpse into the warmth and hospitality of Sri Lankan culture.
Question and Answer Section
Q: What is the significance of National Day in Sri Lanka?
A: National Day is celebrated to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence from British colonial rule in 1948. It’s a day of national pride and patriotism, marked by flag hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances.
Q: What is the history behind Maha Shivaratri?
A: Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. It’s believed that on this day, Lord Shiva performed the dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. Devotees visit temples, offer prayers, and perform rituals to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
Q: What are some traditional games played during Sinhala and Tamil New Year?
A: Some traditional games played during Sinhala and Tamil New Year include Kana Mutti (breaking a pot blindfolded), Olinda Keliya (tug of war), and Kotta Pora (pillow fighting). These games are played to promote unity, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
FAQs
Q: When is Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrated?
A: Sinhala and Tamil New Year is celebrated in mid-April (typically on April 13th and 14th), but preparations and celebrations begin in March.
Q: Is Holi Festival only celebrated by Hindus?
A: Holi Festival is traditionally a Hindu festival, but it’s celebrated by people of all religions and cultures in Sri Lanka. It’s a time for people to come together, forget their differences, and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
Q: Are all businesses closed on National Day?
A: National Day is a public holiday in Sri Lanka, so most businesses and government offices are closed. However, some tourist attractions and restaurants may remain open.