Milad-Un-Nabi falls on Wednesday, Aug 26 followed immediately by Nikini Poya on Thursday, Aug 27! Take Friday, Aug 28 off to unlock a massive 5-day vacation (Wed-Sun)!
Birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad observed with Quran recitations.
Commemorates the First Buddhist Council and Pasu Vas season.
August is Sri Lanka's biggest festival month! The Kandy Esala Perahera reaches its mesmerizing Randoli finale with hundreds of whip crackers, fire dancers, and the sacred Tooth Relic casket carried by the majestic Raja tusker. August also celebrates Milad-Un-Nabi and Nikini Poya.
August 2026 features two consecutive public holidays: Milad-Un-Nabi on Wednesday, August 26, and Nikini Full Moon Poya Day on Thursday, August 27.
In August, hundreds of wild Asian elephants gather around the Minneriya tank to feed, drink, and socialize during the dry season.
August is the height of 'The Gathering' of wild elephants at Minneriya National Park, where over 300 elephants assemble on the receding reservoir bed—one of wildlife's greatest spectacles.
