The year 2023 promises to be an exciting one for Sri Lanka, as it marks the beginning of an array of mercantile holidays. Although these holidays provide an excellent opportunity for relaxation and enjoyment, they can also be overwhelming if you are not familiar with the regulations that govern them. To help you plan your holidays in advance, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to the upcoming mercantile holidays of 2023 in Sri Lanka.
The most prominent of the upcoming holidays is the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which is celebrated on the 13th and 14th of April. This is a time for families to come together to celebrate the commencement of a new year. During this time, Sri Lankans take part in numerous traditional activities such as kiribath (milk rice), oil-anointing, and the exchange of tokens of goodwill and affection. Additionally, there are various commercial activities that take place during this time, such as shopping and sightseeing.
The next major mercantile holiday is Vesak, which is celebrated on the 12th of May. This holy day marks the birth, enlightenment and death of the Lord Buddha, and is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. In Sri Lanka, the day is observed with great zeal and fervor. Decorative lights and lanterns are hung, and people often take part in candlelight processions and Buddhist chanting.
June will bring with it the Poson Festival, which is celebrated on the 9th and 10th of the month. This festival marks the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The day is marked by prayers, processions, and the lighting of lamps. It is also an important mercantile holiday, as local businesses often offer discounts and special promotions during this time.
The next mercantile holiday is Esala Perahera, which is held on the 11th of August. This is an important Buddhist festival, and is celebrated by the four main temples in the country. On this day, a procession of elephants is taken through the streets, accompanied by colorful dancers, musicians, and drummers. This is a popular event, and it attracts thousands of spectators from around the world.
The last of the major mercantile holidays of 2023 is Deepavali, which is celebrated on the 17th of November. As in other countries, Diwali is a time for Sri Lankans to come together and celebrate the victory of light over darkness. During this time, people light diyas (earthen lamps) and decorate their homes with colorful rangoli designs. Additionally, there are numerous shopping and tourism activities that take place during this time.
As you can see, 2023 is sure to bring with it an array of exciting mercantile holidays. While these holidays provide an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy, it is important to be aware of the regulations that govern them. We hope that this guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the upcoming mercantile holidays of 2023 in Sri Lanka. Happy holidays!