Sri Lanka festivals and events 2028: dates

Festivals and events in Sri Lanka in 2028: the dates of each one and what it means for your trip — celebrations, closures, high prices and when to book ahead.

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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Duruthu Perahera 2028

Celebration
January 2028 · approximate dates

January procession at the Kelaniya temple near Colombo, marking the Buddha's visit to the island.

Full moon of the Sinhala month of Duruthu, usually in January.

Sinhala & Tamil New Year 2028

Closures
April 2028

Island-wide new year (mid-April). Shops close and transport is very busy for several days.

Vesak Poya 2028

Celebration
May 2028 · approximate dates

The most sacred Buddhist full moon, streets lit with lanterns and free food stalls (dansala). Usually May.

Full moon of the month of Vesak, usually in May; in years with an extra lunar month it can move to late April or June.

Kandy Esala Perahera 2028

Book ahead
July–August 2028 · approximate dates

Spectacular ten-night procession of drummers, dancers and decorated elephants in Kandy. Lunar dates, Jul–Aug.

Ten nights of processions ending on the full moon of the Sinhala month of Esala (July or August; a month later in years with a leap month).