For those of you who love to travel, explore and take back unforgettable memories February is the month. We start off by celebrating one of the most important events in Sri Lanka’s history – our National Day. National Day falls on 4 February and is celebrated by Sri Lankans who proudly hoist their country’s flags as a mark of freedom from British rule.
National Day also known as Independence Day, is a Sri Lankan national holiday celebrated annually on 4 February to commemorate the country’s political independence from British rule in 1948. It is celebrated all over the country through a flag-hoisting ceremony, dances, parades and performances.
Usually, the main celebration takes place in Colombo, where the President raises the national flag and delivers a nationally televised speech. Many national struggles were made in the history of Sri Lanka and on Independence Day these are remembered and celebrated. The President also pays tribute to the national heroes of Sri Lanka and observes two minutes silence in their memory.
“Ayubowan!”
A great military parade that show cases the power of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Civil Defense Force, and the commitment, bravery, national unity and determination to achieve peace is recollected in the minds of people. Religious observances are also made in many places of worship around the country, wishing for peace and prosperity for the country, people and the tri-forces. Traditionally the Sri Lanka Navy accords a 25 gun salute to the nation from the ceremonial naval gun battery at the Colombo Lighthouse.
14 February is Valentine’s Day. A day to show your loved ones how much you care about them. It is a day celebrated by many people of all ages in the country. Maha Shivaratri a Hindu festival is celebrated by Hindus annually in honour of Lord Shiva in February, and in particular, marks the day of the consummation of marriage of Shiva.
It is a major festival in Hinduism, and this festival is solemn and marks a remembrance of “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in life and the world. The ardent devotees keep awake all night. This is an ancient Hindu festival whose origin date is unknown. Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night.
February is also a dry and hot month. For those of you who love to do some sun bathing on the sandy beaches in Sri Lanka this is just the right time. Adventurous tours are also available where you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the country or take a splash in the cool waters of the ocean or in a swimming pool at a hotel of your choice. Sri Lanka will give you all this and much more. So why wait any longer? Make a visit to this country and enjoy what is on offer.
