Sri Lanka’s historical and cultural history is impressively different in terms of preserved ruins, traditions, clothes, food, arts and crafts, and so on, with influences from nearby India and ruling colonial powers like as the British, Dutch, and Arabs.

Language

Despite the fact that Sinhala is Sri Lanka’s most frequently spoken language, Tamil is also extensively spoken. A few words of English, which is commonly used in urban places like Colombo and Kandy is gaining popularity throughout the island, can help you in getting around.

Dance

1. Uda Rata Natum is commonly known as Kandyan dance in the country. Costumed dancers imitate distinct animal movements in this performance, which is usually a narration of the Indian Ramayana.

2. The Devil Dance, also known as Pahatha Rata Natum, is a low country dance performed in southern Sri Lanka to please evil spirits. The dancers dress up as birds, demons, and reptiles while wearing various masks.

3. The Sabaragamuwa dance is a hybrid of Kandyan and low-country dance. The major goal of this dance, which is mostly performed in the Ratnapura district, is to praise Saman’s God.

4. In Sri Lanka, classical folk dance is also practiced, which demonstrates regional and historical characteristics. Stick dancing, pot dancing, hand drumming, and polkatu dancing are some of the most popular classical folk dance traditions today.

Music

Sri Lankan music is influenced by four major figures.
1. Ancient folk rituals
2. Buddhist religious practices
3. European colonialism’s legacy
4. Indian culture’s influence, particularly Bollywood music

Baila is a popular type of music that originated in Portugal and is now popular at clubs, parties, and other social gatherings. Folk music is made up of a small number of instruments and has a limited frequency range. In a social gathering, folk songs and poems urge people to work together. The highly advanced pageantry heritage, puppetry, and Nurthi – a stage drama music – are all part of Sri Lankan country music. Classical music with Indian influences has also evolved into something unique. We also have traditional drama, music, and songs in the Sri Lankan style.

Clothing

The sarong is the traditional attire for men in Sri Lanka, while sarees are worn by women. For practically every event, men of all ages wear a sarong or trouser/jeans. Sarees are worn by women in formal and informal events, as well as in the workplace. This is primarily for adult women, while young girls prefer the traditional skirt and blouse outfit.

Festivals & Tradition

Sri Lankan festivals showcase the country’s culture and religions, as well as its rich heritage and lovely traditions.

Sinhala and Tamil New Year: This is Sri Lanka’s only national holiday, lasting around a week. Sri Lankans decorate their homes, make customary sweets, dress up in their finest outfit, and participate in traditional customs like blessing their kids, igniting fireworks, and making the first home cooked meal of the year in April.

Vesak Poya: This Buddhist festival celebrated on May’s full moon day is a week-long festival. Also, known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha. The entire island is a swirl of vividly colored lanterns and lights, with people handing out food known as dansals – it’s a sight to behold!

Poson Poya: This yearly Buddhist celebration, held on the full moon day of June, commemorates the introduction of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd Century BC.

The Esala Perahera: Takes place in July or August and pays honor to Lord Buddha’s precious Tooth Relic, is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most lavish Buddhist festivals. Every day, processions of elaborately dressed dancers and skillful drummers, fire jugglers, musicians, stilt walkers, and costumed elephants take part in the festivities.

Maha Shivarathri: A Hindu celebration commemorating Shiva and Parvati’s marriage. In addition to private parties and temple gatherings, prayers are held all night. While meditation rites are one type of celebration, some temples also hold concerts and dance acts to create a lively ambiance.

Vel Festival: The most major Hindu festival honoring Skandha, the Hindu god of war. Processions and celebrations commemorate the victory over evil powers, and the trident, also known as the Vel, is worshipped.

The Nallur Festival: A 25-day festival held in July/August at the Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna, with thousands of devotees clad in white and ladies dressed in their best sarees.

Kataragama Festival: In July/August, thousands of pilgrims of all religions flock to the sacred town of Kataragama in south Sri Lanka to fulfill their vows and seek guidance from Lord Kataragama.

Pada Yatra Pilgrimage: Thousands of pilgrims travel from Jaffna in the north to Kataragama in the south as part of the Pada Yatra pilgrimage, which takes place from June to July. This amazing spiritual journey takes you through a variety of landscapes, including Sri Lanka’s stunning eastern coast and the Yala National Park.

Thai Pongal: A prominent Tamil festival that takes place in mid-January and honors the Sun-God Surya as well as the cattle God, both of whom are crucial in ensuring a healthy harvest.

Arts and Crafts

Many stores provide a wide choice of arts and crafts, which you may see as you travel around the nation. Laksala and Lakpura are two well-known boutiques in Colombo that provide one-of-a-kind arts and crafts that may be brought home as souvenirs of Sri Lanka.

Masks: Masks are firmly rooted in Sri Lankan folklore and are employed in healing ceremonies and rituals. These masks have become particularly popular at devil dances.

Handloom: Shoppers are increasingly drawn to handwoven fabrics in brilliant colors and designs. Handloom curtains, pillow covers, handbags, bedsheets, sarees, clothing, book covers, and more are all available!

Beeralu Lace: Beeralu Lace is a lacemaking custom that originated with Dutch and Portuguese women and is currently done by women in Sri Lankan homes. The delicate patterns created by the hands in the craft of lacemaking are fascinating to watch.

Drums (Bera): Drums made from a Jack Tree and animal hide require a high level of workmanship.

Jewellery Making: Jewellery production has advanced to international standards, with traditional and innovative designs attracting buyers from all over the world.

Lacquer Work (Laksha): vivid and colorful decorations completed with an insect-derived wax lacquer making it a great symbol of Sri Lankan culture.

Clay (Pottery): Pottery is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest crafts, and it’s still a popular pastime for tourists to try their hand at.

Wood Carving: Carving in wood is a centuries-old practice that may be seen on furniture, household objects, jewelry, boxes, decorations, toys, sculptures, lacquer work, and other products.

Batik: inspired by Indonesian culture, batik is the fabrication of textiles with fascinating designs and color combinations, which are then used to make clothes.