Duruthu Poya is two days away: a traveller's heads-up
On 3 January, Sri Lanka marks Duruthu Poya. What to book, expect and enjoy before the island pauses. Full moon marking the Buddha’s first visit to the island. The Duruthu Perahera at Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, near Colombo, is a grand procession of elephants and dancers.
Plan around it
Full moon marking the Buddha’s first visit to the island. The Duruthu Perahera at Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, near Colombo, is a grand procession of elephants and dancers.
Two practical moves today: book any intercity train or long-distance taxi you need for the holiday itself, and if your plans include a celebratory drink, remember shops pause alcohol sales on Poya and some public holidays.
On the day: public holiday. Alcohol and meat sales are restricted island-wide; temples and Kelaniya get very crowded.
Frequently asked
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Sources
We compile and link to public sources; details change, so verify time-sensitive specifics before you travel.