February

Independence Day (4^th)

Celebrations full of pomp and pageantry mark the anniversary of Independence from Great Britain in 1948.

Navam Perahera (25^th & 26^th)

This is undoubtedly Colombo’s grandest outdoor parade, with a splendid display of Sri Lanka’s traditional forms of art: including performance by rhythmic dancers and drummers from around the island in a procession of over 100 caparisoned elephants.

Maha Sivarathri

Held in late February or early March, this festival commemorates the union of Load Siva with his consort Parvati.