January

Duruthu Perahera (25^th , 26^th , 27^th)

This colourful festival commemorates the Buddha’s visit to Kelaniya in the eighth year following his Enlightenment (535 BC). The procession commences and culminates at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple 7 miles (11km) northeast of Colombo. The kelaniya dagoba, unusual for its ‘’paddy heap’’ design, is attributed to King Yatala Tissa (3^rd Cent. BC) ; and the temple is renowned for its intricate wall paintings and murals. 

Thai Pongal (14^th)

This Hindu festival celebrates the harvest and honours the Hindu Sun deity. It is marked by many observance, including the ceremonial preparation and consumption of traditional sweetened and spiced rice called pongal. In rural areas it is followed immediately  after by Madu Pongal, which consecrates domestic livestock.