Religion Holiday
Bak Full Moon Poya Day
Bak Full Moon Poya commemorates the Buddha’s second visit to Sri Lanka in the 5th year after Enlightenment, when he settled a war between Naga kings Chulodara and Mahodara at Nagadipa. The event, recorded in the Mahavamsa, symbolizes peace and the Buddha’s role as peacemaker.
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is a significant day in the Christian liturgical calendar, commemorating the events of the evening before Jesus's crucifixion. It is part of Holy Week and marks the institution of the Eucharist, the Last Supper, and Jesus’s act of washing His disciples’ feet.
Orthodox Maundy Thursday
Orthodox Maundy Thursday, also known as Great and Holy Thursday, is one of the most important days in the Eastern Orthodox Church's observance of Holy Week. It commemorates the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, and Jesus’s washing of the disciples’ feet, as well as the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. It serves as a profound moment of reflection on Christ’s humility, love, and sacrifice.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year marks the solar new year and the end of the harvest season in Sri Lanka. It symbolizes prosperity, renewal and cultural unity across Sinhalese Buddhists and Tamil Hindus.
St. George's Day
St. George’s Day is a Christian feast day celebrated on April 23, in honor of St. George, the patron saint of England, and several other countries and regions.
Aragonese Day
Aragonese Day honors both Saint George, the patron saint of Aragon, and the region’s identity and autonomy. It combines history and modern culture in a day of ceremonies and festivities.
Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
Vesak Full Moon Poya, rooted in ancient India, commemorates the birth, Enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha, all on the full moon of May. Introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE, it became the island's most sacred Buddhist festival. Today, Vesak is celebrated with temple rituals and almsgiving, symbolizing peace and the victory of wisdom over ignorance.
Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV was elected as the 266th successor to St. Peter on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis. His election marked a historic moment as he became the first American-born pope and the first member of the Augustinian order to ascend to the papacy.
Buddha's Birthday (South Korea)
Buddha’s Birthday originated in India, spread across Asia with Buddhism, and became a central festival in Korea from the 4th century CE. Despite suppression under Confucian rule, it survived and is now one of Korea’s most cherished holidays, marked by lantern festivals, rituals, and cultural celebrations.
San Antonio
San Antonio commemorates St Anthony's death on June 13, 1231. St. Anthony of Padua (1195–1231) was a brilliant Franciscan preacher and miracle worker, canonized less than a year after his death, he is one of the most loved saints in Spain, Portugal, and the Catholic world, invoked especially as the patron saint of lost things and protector of the poor.
Ashura
Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a day of major religious and historical significance for all Muslims, but is observed differently by Sunni and Shia communities.
Poson Full Moon Poya Day
Poson Full Moon Poya marks the arrival of Arahat Mahinda Thera and the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka during King Devanampiya Tissa’s reign in the 3rd century BCE. The historic meeting at Mihintale led to Buddhism becoming the island’s state religion. Today, Poson Full Moon Poya Day is one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist festivals.