India and Sri Lanka are as diverse as they are enormous. Come and lose yourself in the endless experiences to be had, whether you are looking for delicious food, stunning landscapes, or fascinating cultures!
India
Holi Festival (9 March 2020)
A day used to spread happiness and love, this colourful Hindu festival celebrates the arrival of spring. One of the most iconic rituals of this event is the ‘Festival of Colours’ where people come together to party, dance, eat and spray each other with coloured powder and water.
Diwali Festival of Lights (14 November 2020)
This 5-day festival of lights is a celebration of new beginnings and a time to remember varied historical events and stories. Some key rituals for this festival include decorating the home with Rangoli (coloured rice), lighting lamps, scented candles & diyas (clay candles) and fireworks at the end of each night.
Uttarayan - the festival of kites (14 January 2020)
Regarded as one of the biggest festivals to be celebrated in Gujarat, India, Uttarayan is considered to be one of the most important harvest days in India and in some parts it has become a public holiday. Attracting participants from around the globe there are thousands of colourful kites flying all day, with some kites going up as early as 5am this truly is a sight to see.
Ganesh Festival (22 August 2020)
The festival of Ganesh is celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesh who is the elephant-headed son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, he is considered to be the symbol of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. Over the span of 11 days, families bring idols of Lord Ganesh into their homes and on the last day the idols are taken out in a musical procession then traditionally are immersed in water.
Sri Lanka
Poson Festival - 5 June 2020
Coinciding with the June full moon, the Poson festival is celebrated to commemorate the arrival of Buddhism to the country 2,300 years ago. The day includes telling stories, dancing and parades. Streets are colourfully decorated with hand-crafted paper lanterns and free food is often given out throughout the day.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year - Tuesday 14 April
This day is also known as Aluth Avurudda and celebrates the traditional new year of the Sinhalese people in Sri Lanka. Street parties are held throughout the country all including giant feasts of traditional food, music, dancing and games.
