Sri Lanka’s Poya days are a series of full moon days celebrated throughout the year, deeply rooted in the country’s Buddhist culture. These sacred days hold great spiritual and cultural significance for Sri Lankans. Whether you are planning your year, a traveler seeking to experience Sri Lanka’s culture, or a curious reader, here is the complete list of Poya days in Sri Lanka for 2025.
Poya Days 2025: At-a-Glance
| Month | Date | Day | Poya Day Name | Significance Summary | Public Holiday Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Jan 13 | Monday | Duruthu | Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka | Public Holiday |
| February | Feb 12 | Wednesday | Navam | Appointment of Buddha’s two chief disciples | Public Holiday |
| March | Mar 13 | Thursday | Medin | Buddha’s return to his hometown | Public Holiday |
| April | Apr 12 | Saturday | Bak | Buddha’s second visit to Sri Lanka | Public Holiday |
| May | May 12 | Monday | Vesak | Birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha | Public Holiday |
| May | May 13 | Tuesday | Day Following Vesak | Continuation of Vesak celebrations | Public Holiday |
| June | Jun 10 | Tuesday | Poson | Arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka | Public Holiday |
| July | Jul 10 | Thursday | Esala | Buddha’s first sermon | Public Holiday |
| August | Aug 8 | Friday | Nikini | Observance of important Buddhist rituals | Public Holiday |
| September | Sep 7 | Sunday | Binara | Establishment of the Buddhist Bhikkhuni Order | Public Holiday |
| October | Oct 6 | Monday | Vap | End of the Buddhist rainy season retreat | Public Holiday |
| November | Nov 5 | Wednesday | Ill | Buddha’s teachings at Abhidhamma | Public Holiday |
| December | Dec 4 | Thursday | Unduvap | Sanghamitta’s arrival with the sacred Bodhi tree | Public Holiday |
What Are Poya Days?
Poya days mark the full moon in each lunar month and are observed as public holidays in Sri Lanka. They commemorate significant events in Buddhism, including the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha. These days also reflect Sri Lanka’s rich traditions and provide an opportunity for devotees to engage in religious practices such as visiting temples, meditating, and observing sil.
Poya Days Calendar for 2025
Here is the complete list of Poya days for 2025, along with their corresponding dates and significance:
January
- Monday, January 13: Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day — Marks the first Poya day of the year, celebrating Gautama Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka.
February
- Wednesday, February 12: Navam Full Moon Poya Day — Commemorates the appointment of Buddha’s two chief disciples.
March
- Thursday, March 13: Medin Full Moon Poya Day — Marks Buddha’s return to his hometown.
April
- Saturday, April 12: Bak Full Moon Poya Day — A Buddhist holiday that signifies the Buddha’s second visit to Sri Lanka.
May
- Monday, May 12: Vesak Full Moon Poya Day — The most sacred Buddhist holiday celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha.
- Tuesday, May 13: Day Following Vesak Full Moon Poya Day — Observed as a continuation of Vesak celebrations.
June
- Tuesday, June 10: Poson Full Moon Poya Day — Celebrates the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
July
- Thursday, July 10: Esala Full Moon Poya Day — Signifies Buddha’s first sermon.
August
- Friday, August 8: Nikini Full Moon Poya Day — Observes important Buddhist rituals.
September
- Sunday, September 7: Binara Full Moon Poya Day — Commemorates the establishment of the Buddhist Bhikkhuni Order.
October
- Monday, October 6: Vap Full Moon Poya Day — Marks the end of the Buddhist rainy season retreat.
November
- Wednesday, November 5: Ill Full Moon Poya Day — Signifies the Buddha’s teachings at Abhidhamma.
December
- Thursday, December 4: Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day — Marks Sanghamitta’s arrival in Sri Lanka with the sacred Bodhi tree.
Significance of Poya Days in Sri Lankan Culture
Poya days are more than just holidays; they are an integral part of Sri Lanka’s cultural identity. These days bring families together, inspire spiritual growth, and preserve the island’s Buddhist heritage. Many Sri Lankans dedicate Poya days to practicing mindfulness, engaging in community service, and participating in religious ceremonies.
Tips for Travelers
Planning your trip to Sri Lanka in 2025? Consider aligning your travel dates with a Poya day to experience unique cultural events and a serene atmosphere. You’ll have the opportunity to witness beautiful temple rituals, and during Vesak, streets are often adorned with intricate lanterns. For example, if you visit around Esala Poya in July, you might be able to witness parts of the magnificent Kandy Esala Perahera (though its exact dates vary annually).
Important Note for Travelers: Poya days are typically “dry days” in Sri Lanka, meaning that the sale of alcohol is restricted in most establishments. Additionally, as public holidays, government offices, banks, and some businesses will be closed. Plan your activities accordingly.
Discover More Sri Lanka Public Holidays
For a comprehensive overview of all public holidays in Sri Lanka, including non-Poya holidays, please visit our Complete List of Sri Lanka Public Holidays for 2025.
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