Navam Full Moon Poya

නවම් පෝය

View on map
Religious & SpiritualColombo/Nationwide
DatesDates TBA · Usually FebruaryCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCeremony, pilgrimageNavam poya is unusual among the twelve poyas
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: LKR
CategoryReligious & SpiritualFestival type
The story

Navam Full Moon Poya in Colombo/Nationwide

Navam Poya, the February full moon, commemorates two events: the appointment of Sariputta and Moggallana as the Buddha's chief disciples, and the first Buddhist Council held after his death. Nationwide it is marked with white clothing and temple sermons, while Colombo hosts the large Navam Perahera procession at Gangaramaya Temple, held annually since 1979 with elephants, drummers, and dancers.

Navam Poya, the full moon of February, carries a double religious weight for Sri Lankan Buddhists that sets it apart from most other poya days.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Navam poya is unusual among the twelve poyas for commemorating two distinct events at once: the chief disciples' appointment and the first Buddhist Council

02

The mystery stays covered

Its most visible modern expression is the Navam Perahera, a large-scale procession organized by Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo since 1979, featuring caparisoned elephants, Kandyan and low-country dance troupes, drummers, and fire-performers moving through the city's streets around Beira Lake

03

The city starts moving

Unlike Kandy's centuries-old Esala Perahera, the Navam Perahera is a comparatively recent civic tradition built specifically to mark this poya in the capital

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Traditions include white clothing

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the eight precepts

The sacred route

Living ritual

pirith chanting

The local code

Living ritual

and dansal stalls nationwide

Tradition 5

Living ritual

plus Colombo's Navam Perahera with caparisoned elephants

Tradition 6

Living ritual

Kandyan dancers

Tradition 7

Living ritual

and drummers parading around Gangaramaya Temple

Tradition 8

Living ritual

a tradition established in 1979 rather than dating to antiquity like the poya's own legend

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually February

Getting around

Move patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.

What to wear

White clothing is standard for poya-day temple visits nationwide. Spectators attending the Navam Perahera in Colombo can wear regular modest clothing, though respectful, non-revealing attire...

Safety

Watch local behavior before photographing, filming, or entering sacred spaces.

Where to stay

Stay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Tickets/cost

Public ritual moments are often free, but donations, transport, or temple access may vary.

Language/currency

LKR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map6.94 N, 79.85 EOpen in Google Maps

Colombo/Nationwide, Nationwide, Sri Lanka

Nearest airportRML — Colombo Ratmalana
TransportMove patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.
Stay areaStay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Colombo/Nationwide via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Colombo/Nationwide, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for February.Compare faresFestival gearWhite clothing is standard for poya-day temple visits nationwide. Spectators attending the Navam Perahera in Colombo can wear regular modest clothing, though respectful, non-revealing attire is appreciated given the event's religious character.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Sri Lanka and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Navam Full Moon Poya?

Navam Full Moon Poya is listed for Past edition: 1 February 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Navam Full Moon Poya take place?

The festival is listed in Colombo/Nationwide, Sri Lanka. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Colombo/Nationwide, Nationwide, Sri Lanka

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLsrilankaimmigration.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually February
Source statusOfficial source linked
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