For 2018, Sri Lanka celebrates 23 significant dates marked as public holidays. Most of these correspond to one day off each, with the exception of the New Year festival in mid-April and Vesak, which spans two days. The majority of Sri Lankan celebrations are religious festivals. To help you better plan your next journey to this remarkable island, let's explore these dates one by one and understand the significance of each.

• January 15: Tamil Thai Pongal Day

Pongal is a harvest festival and celebration of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Hindu festival primarily celebrated in Tamil Nadu (in southern India), from which it takes its name, though it is also observed by Tamils throughout Sri Lanka.

• January 23: Duruthu Full Moon Day Poya

This commemorative festival marks Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka to settle disputes between the Yakkas and Nagas.

• February 4: National Day

Commemoration of Sri Lanka's independence from British rule in 1948.

• February 22: Navam Full Moon Day Poya

A religious festival, also known as Navam Perahera, honoring the appointment of Buddha's two principal disciples and commemorating the first Buddhist council held after the Master's passing. Celebrations take place along the shores of Gangaramaya Lake in front of the temple of the same name in Colombo. You can witness a parade of elephants and dancers, along with numerous performances.

• March 7: Maha Shivaratri Day

A Hindu festival celebrating Lord Shiva.

• March 22: Madin Full Moon Day Poya

A religious festival honoring Buddha's return to his birthplace: Kapilavastu.

• March 25: Good Friday

A Christian festival commemorating the crucifixion of Christ.

• April 13: Tamil and Sinhalese New Year

Celebration of the New Year for both Tamil and Sinhalese communities.

• April 21: Bak Full Moon Day Poya

Commemoration of Buddha's second visit to Sri Lanka to establish peace between two local rulers.

• May 1: Labour Day

• May 21 and 22: Vesak Full Moon Day Poya

Commemoration of the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha (Siddhārtha Gautama, known as Shakyamuni or the Buddha, the spiritual leader who lived in the 6th or 5th century BCE. He was the historical founder of a wandering monastic community that gave rise to Buddhism.)

• June 19: Poson Full Moon Day Poya

Commemoration of Buddhism's arrival in Sri Lanka.

• July 6: End of Ramadan

An Islamic festival celebrating the conclusion of 29 to 30 days of fasting.

• July 19: Esala Full Moon Day Poya

Commemoration of the day Buddha delivered his first sermon in the country.

• August 17: Nikini Full Moon Day Poya

Celebration marking the conclusion of the Kandy Esala Perahera or Festival of the Tooth, held in Kandy. It is marked by ten days of nighttime processions featuring elaborately dressed elephants accompanied by dancers.

• September 12: Eid ul-Adha (Hajj)

An Islamic religious festival. It lasts three days and is often accompanied by a pilgrimage to Mecca.

• September 16: Binara Full Moon Day Poya

Commemoration of the founding of the Bhikkhuni Sasanaya, or the order of female Buddhist monasticism in Sri Lanka.

• October 15: Full Moon Day

Marks the end of the Buddhist fasting period.

• November 7: Diwali Festival

Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, after fourteen years of exile.

• November 14: Ill Full Moon Poya Day

Commerates Buddha's sixty missionary disciples.

• December 25: Christmas Day

Celebration of the birth of Christ.