Away from the lavish lifestyles and the bustling capital city is the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple which comes across as an idyllic escape where we can seek spiritual fulfilment. Historic appeal Being one of the largest temple complexes in Colombo, the Gangaramaya Temple is well-known for hosting the most colourful Vesak festival annually. It was established in 1885 and has a rewarding history of 120 years. The surrounding areas of the Beira Lake were once a swamp and now it has turned out to be a significant complex including this temple, the breathtaking lake, and the assembly hall. Location Located in the heart of Colombo, the Gangaramaya Temple has always been at the forefront of protecting religious values of the country. For those who are holidaying …

Have you heard of the second grandest festival in China? Mid-Autumn Festival is simply a celebration of autumn fantasies with dazzling lanterns and colourful festivities. Do read on! Overview The Moon Cake Festival or the Mid-Autumn Festival has a rewarding history that runs back to 3000 years. This celebration was derived from the moon worship custom which was celebrated during the Shang Dynasty. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the festival usually falls on the 15th day of the 8th month. From time immemorial, Chinese people used to pay homage to the moon praying for a good harvest. Customs On the evening of the festival day, usually, the Chinese people have a meal together with all the family members. Also, there’s a special ritual to …

The festival Eid-Ul Fitr also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Malaysian is the Muslim celebration that takes place on the 10th month according to the Muslim calendar (Syawal). The festivities are to signify the end of a month of fasting, which is known as the Ramadan period. The Ramadan month This is the holiest of months for the Muslim devotees in Malaysia which amounts to about 60% of the population. During this month is compulsory that every person old enough to do so must abstain from eating, drinking or smoking during the day. This is done so that one may gain spiritual strength and develop good qualities such as patience and humility. Religious observances In the month of Ramadan, devotees give more priority to …

Kataragama is a venerated religious site which is frequented by many Sri Lankans of all ethnicities. It also happens to be one of the 16 places on the island visited by the Lord Buddha. History The Kataragama deity is believed to have lived in the jungles near the Menik River with his two wives. King Dutugamunu is said to have visited the deity to fulfil a vow he made to him after defeating his rival. He was told to build a shrine on the location where a golden arrow shot by the Kataragama deity landed, hence, the location of the temple as seen today. The Festival The Kataragama festival commences 10 days prior to the full moon which falls on July and ends with a …

The end of the Ramadan months signals the beginning of a festival called Hai Raya Puasa in Malaysia. With most of the population in the country being Muslims, the festivities are celebrated in on a grand scale. Here are some facts about Hari Raya Puasa. Before the feast Ramadan is said to be the 9th month on the Islamic colander is also one of the holiest months for Muslims. During this period, the devotees avoid eating, drinking and smoking during the day. This act of fasting and abstinence is for one to learn good virtues like patience, humility and spirituality while surrendering oneself to Allah. The period of fasting begins at dawn and ends at 4 pm. Prayer time During this one month of fasting, …

Celebrated during the auspicious month of April, the New Year Festival is a very important national holiday for both Sinhalese Buddhists and Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka. Who celebrates it The solor festival is celebrated by both the Sinhala Buddhist and Tamil Hindu Communities. What it’s About Unlike western celebration where the New Year is celebrated at midnight on 31st of December, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is determined by astrological signs and is celebrated when the sun moves from the House of Pisces to the House of Aries. Traditional Customs and Rituals The rituals and customs followed by the Sinhala Buddhist community are similar to those observed by the Tamil Hindus. A variety of rituals such lighting the fire in the hearth, preparing …