Culture

Sri Lankan Traditional Masks "Vesmuhunu"

 The Vesmuhunu or "character face" masks are a significant part of Sri Lankan culture, with their history dating back to the 15th century. These masks are used in various contexts, including ritualistic performances, theatrical dramas, and festive celebrations. The masks are crafted from the wood of trees like Rukattana, Eramadu, and Kaduru, and are often painted with vibrant colors to depict their features. The masks are not only functional but also serve as a medium for storytelling and expression, reflecting the beliefs and fears of the rural folk. The Mask Museum in Ambalangoda is a must-visit for anyone interested in the art of Sri Lankan mask carving and dance.

Traditional food 

Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its particular combinations of herbs, spices, fish, vegetables, rices, and fruits. The cuisine is highly centered around many varieties of rice, as well as coconut which is a ubiquitous plant throughout the country. Seafood also plays a significant role in the cuisine, be it fresh fish or preserved fish. As a country that was a hub in the historic oceanic silk road, contact with foreign traders brought new food items and cultural influences in addition to the local traditions of the country's ethnic groups, all of which have helped shape Sri Lankan cuisine. Influences from Indian (particularly South Indian), Indonesian and Dutch cuisines are most evident with Sri Lankan cuisine sharing close ties to other neighbouring South and Southeast Asian cuisines.

The Kandy Esala Perahera, also known as the Esala Perahera, is a grand religious procession held annually in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, commemorating the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, which is enshrined in the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy. The festival marks the beginning of the Buddhist vassa, or rainy season retreat, when monks remain in their monasteries for meditation and study. The Esala Perahera is not only a celebration of the sacred tooth relic but also an intricate display of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural tapestry, blending religious reverence with artistic and cultural expressions that have evolved over centuries. The Esala Perahera is not simply a parade; it is a deep expression of devotion, reverence, and community. The procession features a vibrant array of elephants, traditional dancers, fire-breathers, drummers, acrobats, and flag bearers, all harmoniously coming together to honor the sacred relic and showcase Sri Lanka’s heritage 

Sinhala hindu new year

Sinhalese New Year, generally known as Aluth Awurudda in Sri Lanka, is a Sri Lankan holiday that celebrates the traditional New Year of the Sinhalese people. The timing of the Sinhala New Year coincides with the new year celebrations of many traditional calendars of South and Southeast Asia; thus, the festival has close semblance to other South and Southeast Asian New Years. The event is marked by two official public holidays. It is generally celebrated on the 13th or 14 April and traditionally begins at the sighting of the new moon. Following the holidays, most shops and businesses close for about a week as families and communities come together to celebrate.