Ves?kha (Pali; Sanskrit: Vai??kha ) is an annual holiday observed traditionally by Buddhists in the Nepal and subcontinent, Sri Lanka, and the South East Asian countries of Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Indonesia. Sometimes informally called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually encompasses the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and passing away (Parinirv?na) of Gautama Buddha.
Sinhala New Year is popularly known as Aluth Avurudhu. New Year in Sri Lanka is observed on April 13 and 14 every year. According the Sri Lankan mythology, the New Year is observed when the sun moves from the house of Meena to the house of Mesha. The celebrations of Sinhala New Year continues until the closing of the spring season. New Year in Sri Lanka gives the earth a chance to relive. It signifies new life to the people as well as to the nature. Mother Nature shades away all the grey and wears her green costume for spring season. The New Year is observed with a number of Sinhala New Year customs. Given below is the detailed description of New Year traditions in Sri Lanka:
The Kataragama Perehera is held in the months of July/August and is a festival that coincides with the new Moon in the Esala month. This two-week Perahera attracts thousands - Hindus and Buddhists - many of who make the pilgrimage on foot from as far afield as Jaffna in Sri Lanka’s northern peninsula.
The Kandy Esala Perahera, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous religious festivals, takes place every year in the hill-capital Kandy, in the full-moon month of Esala coinciding with July/August.
