Vladislav Doronin: Sri Lanka Events For 2023

Vladislav Doronin, Aman Group CEO, chairman and owner, is passionate about luxury hospitality. Aman Group is a company that specialises in ultra-luxury hotel and residential accommodation, operating exclusive Aman hotels across Europe, the Americas, North Africa and Asia. This article focuses on Sri Lanka, sharing details of popular events scheduled across the country in 2023.

Maha Shivaratri Festival (18^th February 2023)

Maha Shivaratri festival is an important occasion for Sri Lankan Hindus. Popularised as the ‘Great Night of Shiva’, the event celebrates the Hindu deity who, according to popular belief, performs his heavenly dance on this day. The celebration symbolises overcoming ignorance and darkness, with religious festivities that include fasting, prayers, bathing the Shiva linga with milk and conducting puja to demonstrate respect for the God Shiva. Hindus mark the occasion with vibrant festivals at Shiva temples across the country.

Sinhalese and Tamil New Year (14^th April 2023)

Arguably the biggest annual event for both the Sinhalese and Tamil communities, New Year is marked with many rituals and events that incorporate religion, astrology and culture. The main rituals revolve around lighting the hearth, exchanging gifts and money, and enjoying the Avurudu table.

Eid-Al-Fitr (22^nd April 2023)

The first of two Eids in the Islamic calendar, Eid-Al-Fitr marks the end of the holy fast of the Ramadan season. Muslims across Sri Lanka mark the event by listening to sermons and engaging in communal prayers. They also take care to engage in good deeds at this time, such as gifting money and food to those less fortunate.

Esala Perahera Festival (1^st August 2023)

This glamorous cultural procession is staged annually in Kandy at the Temple of the Tooth Relic. The festival is a celebration marking the arrival of the sacred tooth in Sri Lanka. Over the course of 10 days of festivities, grand processions and religious ceremonies are staged, culminating in Randoli Perahera on the final day, when decorated tuskers, traditional dancers, drummers, singers, torch-bearers and flag-bearers showcase the pride and grandeur of Sri Lanka’s rich culture to the whole world.

Aman Hotels – Sri Lanka

Located in the incomparable seaside setting of Tangalle, Amanwella offers both blissful seclusion and natural exploration. Located on the sun-drenched south coast of Sri Lanka, the resort is ideally located for exploring the island’s rolling tea plantations and revered temples, as well as Sri Lanka’s finest National Parks.

Amangalla lies within the ramparts of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 17^th century. With its elegant fine dining, tranquil spa complex and lofty-ceilinged four-poster suites, Amangalla epitomises a bygone age of romance.