How to Celebrate Diwali in Sri Lanka

Celebrating Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an important part of the culture for the 1.5 million Hindus who live in Sri Lanka, an island nation just below the southern tip of India. While the celebration of Diwali in Sri Lanka may seem a bit more low-key, especially in comparison to its neighbor to the north, the emphasis remains on wonderful feasts, spending time with family and, of course, the lighting of many candles, diyas and lamps.

Things You'll Need

• Travel itinerary
• Travel agent

Instructions

Celebrate Diwali in Sri Lanka

1. Use a Hindu calendar to determine when Diwali is being celebrated in Sri Lanka. Generally, it is held in late October or early November, in conjunction with the new moon phase during the Hindu month of Kartik.

2. Check with a travel agent who is familiar with Diwali and plan your trip to Sri Lanka well in advance. Many Hindus travel this time of year in order to spend time with their families during the Festival of the Lights, so firm up your travel itinerary as soon as possible.

3. Plan where you want to visit in Sri Lanka to celebrate Diwali. Only about 15 percent of the population of Sri Lanka is Hindu and celebrations are not as widespread as in other countries. Hindu communities in Sri Lanka tend to be concentrated in the north, east and central highland areas of the island.

4. Bring your sweet tooth when you celebrate Diwali in Sri Lanka. Much of the festival centers on the distribution of sweets, especially figurines made of sugar crystals called Misiri.

5. Note the emphasis on celebrating Lord Rama's legendary return to Ayudhya and the triumph of good over evil in the Sri Lankan festivities. In other countries with large Hindu populations, there may be a greater focus on Lakshmi Mata, the goddess of light and prosperity.

6. Consider renting a beach bungalow for Diwali in order to witness many of the colorful ceremonies and rituals performed by the locals on the shore.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit Hindunet.org to find a Hindu calendar (see Resources below).

• Diwali is more commonly called Deepavali in Sri Lanka, just as it is in the southernmost areas of India. Diwali is considered to be a much less formal way to address the festival.

• The seemingly constant lighting of firecrackers is a very large part of the Diwali celebration in Sri Lanka, which is something to consider if you aren't a big fan of loud, shocking noises.

Resources

• Find a Hindu calendar.