Holiday makers from the Middle East seeking an inspirational start to the New Year should consider the tropical island paradise of Sri Lanka in the early part of the year for a memorable vacation to dust off the seasonal cobwebs. The spirit of dancing and celebration imbues dazzling festivals that are held during the first month of the year, with breathtaking processions of color and extravagant decoration a heady tonic to help obliterate any post Christmas blues.
Located in the Indian Ocean, just four hours flying time from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka kick starts its year of religious celebrations on 3rd January, with the full-moon festival of Duruthu, the Buddhist ceremony that commemorates the visit of Lord Buddha to the sacred Kelaniya Temple, near the capital city of Colombo.
The pageant has taken place since 1927 and attracts hundreds of thousands of people who throng to the Kelaniya Temple, which is located 9 km from the capital city. Those who attend enjoy processions known as Perahera; colorful and vibrant displays of music and dancing that celebrate the Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka more than 2500 years ago. The Kelaniyan Duruthu comprises three Perahera, featuring costumed actors, musicians, devotees dressed in white - and elephants.
The first procession, Udamaluwa Perahera, starts on the upper terrace of the temple, with the ritual handing over of a secret casket containing a sacred relic. Canon fire signals the beginning of the parade and the casket is carefully placed on a cushion borne by an elephant. The second procession, Pahathamaluwa Perahera, is more even more vivid and continues with elephants carrying the casket and divine insignia.
The event reaches a climax with the Randoli Perahera, the most magnificent of all the processions, held on the day prior to the January full moon. The excitement during this final pageant is almost palpable, as officials robed in sumptuous costumes are accompanied by drummers, musicians, dancers and men bearing flaming torches. The displays have a real festival air, with numerous stalls being constructed in the vicinity of the temple, selling a wide range of goods.
The Hindu community in Sri Lanka also holds a religious remembrance during the first month of the year; the Thai Pongal holiday, in which love and compassion to all beings is the central theme. The event, which is celebrated annually on January 14, is a cultural festival which gives thanks to the Sun God for an abundant harvest. Gratitude, applied to both humans and animals, is an underlying principle and while generally considered a Hindu holiday, Thai Pongal draws liberally on Buddhist sentiments, which focus on love and thanksgiving.
On Thai Pongal Day, most celebrants resolve to show compassion and gratitude towards both humanity and animals, as they believe that these practices promote moral and spiritual values and enhance one’s well being. During this day, Sri Lankan homes are cleaned and decorated, farm animals bathed and sometimes adorned and special dishes prepared by way of celebration.
January is just the start of the cycle of festivals that occur throughout the year in Sri Lanka. There are monthly events celebrated by Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Hindus, but that is not all that this island paradise has to offer. The capital, Colombo, offers all the attractions you would expect from a bustling, major city, with star-rated hotels, shopping malls and a vast array of restaurants that cater for all tastes.
You are also never far from the azure waters and bronze sands of the coast; beaches that include the acclaimed Unawatuna, voted as one of the world’s top 10. For the more adventurously inclined, there are the high adrenalin thrills of white water rafting, sailing, mountain biking and hot air balloon rides. You can also hike through the central highlands or cycle through the ancient ruins of a country whose history and heritage stretches back thousands of years.
