For centuries, calendars have been more than time-keeping devices—they represent the way societies organize life, connect with nature, and celebrate traditions. In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala Calendar is not just a system of dates but a cultural foundation. Deeply tied to Buddhism, agriculture, and astrology, it shapes daily life, religious festivals, and even the nation’s economy.The Sinhala calendar is closely linked with the Buddhist calendar and Hindu Panchang, combining solar and lunar calculations. It is widely used to determine poya (full moon) days, New Year celebrations (Aluth Avurudda), religious rituals, and astrological predictions.
While the Gregorian calendar (A.D.) is used internationally, the Sinhala calendar remains vital in Sri Lanka for festivals, muhurats, farming cycles, and cultural identity.
In this article, we will explore:
- An overview of the Sinhala Calendar
- Its role in Horoscopes (Astrology)
- How it determines Auspicious Times
- The key festivals and events for 2025–2026
- How to download and use the Sinhala calendar
- Its importance in modern Sri Lankan life
1. Overview of the Sinhala Calendar
1.1 Historical Background
The Sinhala calendar is based on a mix of the lunar and solar systems. It is closely tied to the Buddhist calendar, which itself derives from ancient Indian calendrical traditions. Its roots can be traced back to the era of King Pandukabhaya (437–367 BCE), who organized the first time-based systems for agriculture and rituals.
Today, the Sinhala calendar:
- Marks poya days (monthly full moon holidays sacred to Buddhists).
- Defines the Sinhala & Tamil New Year (Aluth Avurudda) in April.
- Determines agricultural timings like sowing and harvesting.
1.2 Structure of the Sinhala Calendar
The Sinhala year is divided into 12 months, with both solar months and lunar months influencing events.
| Sinhala Month | Approx. Gregorian Equivalent | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Duruthu | January | Duruthu Poya – Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka |
| Navam | February | Navam Poya – Sangha meetings |
| Medin | March | Medin Poya – Buddha’s visit to Kimbulwathpura |
| Bak | April | Sinhala & Tamil New Year |
| Vesak | May | Vesak Poya – Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing |
| Poson | June | Poson Poya – Arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka |
| Esala | July | Esala Perahera (Kandy) |
| Nikini | August | Nikini Poya – First Buddhist council |
| Binara | September | Binara Poya – Bhikkhuni ordination |
| Vap | October | Vap Poya – Katina pinkama rituals |
| Il | November | Il Poya – Sanghamitta Theri brings Bodhi sapling |
| Unduvap | December | Unduvap Poya – Arrival of Bhikkhuni Sanghamitta |
Every poya day (full moon) is a public holiday in Sri Lanka, highlighting the calendar’s national importance.
1.3 Role in Daily Life
The Sinhala calendar guides:
- Religious observances (Buddhist meditation, pujas).
- Agriculture (paddy planting, harvesting).
- National holidays and festivals.
- Astrology & rituals (weddings, housewarmings).
2. Sinhala Calendar – Horoscope (Astrology)
2.1 Importance of Astrology
In Sri Lanka, astrology (Jyotishya) plays a central role in decision-making. The Sinhala calendar forms the foundation of horoscopes (Kundali).
2.2 Horoscope and Birth Charts
- Birth charts are prepared based on Sinhala date, time, and planetary positions.
- Determines personality, career, marriage compatibility, and health.
- Astrologers consult the calendar to check graha (planetary influences).
2.3 Zodiac Signs in Sinhala Astrology
Sinhala astrology follows 12 Rashi (zodiac signs):
- Mesha (Aries), Vrushabha (Taurus), Mithuna (Gemini), Karkata (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Vrischika (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makara (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius), Meena (Pisces).
Predictions are published in Sinhala calendars as daily, weekly, and yearly horoscopes.
3. Sinhala Calendar – Auspicious Times (Muhurat)
3.1 What is Muhurta?
Auspicious times are chosen based on planetary positions, lunar days, and star constellations. These are essential for:
- Weddings
- Housewarmings
- Business openings
- Religious offerings
3.2 Sinhala New Year (Aluth Avurudda) Example
The Sinhala & Tamil New Year in April is determined by the calendar, which fixes:
- Punya Kalaya (Auspicious Time) – for engaging in rituals.
- Nakath Seettuwa – printed almanac booklet showing times for cooking, eating, and leaving home.
3.3 Popular Auspicious Rituals
- Kala Muhurta – planetary timing for ceremonies.
- Nakath – New Year auspicious moments.
- Shanthi Karma – protective rituals against bad planetary influences.
4. Key Dates & Festivals in 2025–2026
Here are major Sinhala calendar events (2025–2026):
- Duruthu Poya – Jan 13, 2025 (Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka)
- Navam Poya – Feb 12, 2025
- Medin Poya – Mar 13, 2025
- Aluth Avurudda (Sinhala & Tamil New Year) – Apr 13–14, 2025
- Vesak Poya – May 12, 2025 (Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, passing)
- Poson Poya – Jun 11, 2025 (arrival of Buddhism)
- Esala Poya & Perahera – Jul 10, 2025 (Kandy Esala Perahera festival)
- Nikini Poya – Aug 9, 2025
- Binara Poya – Sep 7, 2025
- Vap Poya – Oct 6, 2025
- Il Poya – Nov 5, 2025
- Unduvap Poya – Dec 5, 2025
(The same cycle repeats in 2026, with dates adjusted by lunar movements.)
5. Download Link – Sinhala Calendar 2025–2026
You can download Sinhala calendars (print & digital) here:
📥 Download Sinhala Calendar 2025–2026:
- Department of Buddhist Affairs, Sri Lanka – Calendar Download
- Sri Lanka Holidays – Sinhala & Tamil Calendar
- Popular apps: Sri Lanka Calendar 2025, Aluth Avurudu Nakath Calendar (Google Play & App Store).
These downloads include:
- Poya dates
- Festival schedules
- Auspicious times (Nakath)
- Daily horoscopes
6. How to Use the Sinhala Calendar
6.1 For Religion
- Observe Poya days with temple visits, meditation, and almsgiving.
- Plan Vesak lanterns, Poson pilgrimages, and Perahera processions.
6.2 For Social Life
- Weddings, housewarmings, and journeys are based on auspicious times.
- Festivals like Aluth Avurudda strengthen family ties.
6.3 For Agriculture
- Farmers rely on seasonal cycles (Yala & Maha harvests).
- New Year rituals align with harvest celebrations.
6.4 For Astrology
- Horoscopes predict favorable and unfavorable planetary influences.
- Birthdays often follow lunar tithis, not just English dates.
6.5 For Education & Government
- Public holidays follow Poya days.
- Schools and state institutions follow Sinhala–Tamil New Year breaks.
6.6 For Digital Era
- Apps provide reminders for poya days and nakath times.
- Diaspora Sri Lankans use digital calendars to stay connected.
7. Cultural Importance
- Maintains Buddhist heritage in Sri Lanka.
- Ensures harmony with Hindu Tamil traditions (New Year shared).
- Strengthens agriculture and seasonal life cycles.
- Provides a national identity distinct from the global Gregorian calendar.
8. Challenges & Modern Adaptation
- Difficulty in converting dates between Sinhala and Gregorian.
- Urban youth rely more on digital tools.
- Yet, the calendar thrives due to its religious and agricultural relevance.
Conclusion
The Sinhala Calendar 2025–2026 is not merely a list of days—it is a cultural compass for Sri Lanka. From poya day meditations to New Year nakath times, it ensures that spiritual life, farming, and social customs align with nature and the cosmos.
As digital tools make it easier to access, the Sinhala calendar continues to guide festivals, horoscopes, auspicious times, and national holidays. It remains an inseparable part of Sri Lankan identity.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Festival dates and auspicious times may vary due to lunar calculations and regional practices. For exact timings, consult a Sinhala Panchang, astrologer, or official calendar issued by Sri Lankan authorities.
For centuries, calendars have been more than time-keeping devices—they represent the way societies organize life, connect with nature, and celebrate traditions. In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala Calendar is not just a system of dates but a cultural foundation. Deeply tied to Buddhism, agriculture, and astrology, it shapes daily life, religious festivals, and even the nation’s economy.
The Sinhala calendar is closely linked with the Buddhist calendar and Hindu Panchang, combining solar and lunar calculations. It is widely used to determine poya (full moon) days, New Year celebrations (Aluth Avurudda), religious rituals, and astrological predictions.
While the Gregorian calendar (A.D.) is used internationally, the Sinhala calendar remains vital in Sri Lanka for festivals, muhurats, farming cycles, and cultural identity.
In this article, we will explore:
- An overview of the Sinhala Calendar
- Its role in Horoscopes (Astrology)
- How it determines Auspicious Times
- The key festivals and events for 2025–2026
- How to download and use the Sinhala calendar
- Its importance in modern Sri Lankan life
1. Overview of the Sinhala Calendar
1.1 Historical Background
The Sinhala calendar is based on a mix of the lunar and solar systems. It is closely tied to the Buddhist calendar, which itself derives from ancient Indian calendrical traditions. Its roots can be traced back to the era of King Pandukabhaya (437–367 BCE), who organized the first time-based systems for agriculture and rituals.
Today, the Sinhala calendar:
- Marks poya days (monthly full moon holidays sacred to Buddhists).
- Defines the Sinhala & Tamil New Year (Aluth Avurudda) in April.
- Determines agricultural timings like sowing and harvesting.
1.2 Structure of the Sinhala Calendar
The Sinhala year is divided into 12 months, with both solar months and lunar months influencing events.
| Sinhala Month | Approx. Gregorian Equivalent | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Duruthu | January | Duruthu Poya – Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka |
| Navam | February | Navam Poya – Sangha meetings |
| Medin | March | Medin Poya – Buddha’s visit to Kimbulwathpura |
| Bak | April | Sinhala & Tamil New Year |
| Vesak | May | Vesak Poya – Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing |
| Poson | June | Poson Poya – Arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka |
| Esala | July | Esala Perahera (Kandy) |
| Nikini | August | Nikini Poya – First Buddhist council |
| Binara | September | Binara Poya – Bhikkhuni ordination |
| Vap | October | Vap Poya – Katina pinkama rituals |
| Il | November | Il Poya – Sanghamitta Theri brings Bodhi sapling |
| Unduvap | December | Unduvap Poya – Arrival of Bhikkhuni Sanghamitta |
Every poya day (full moon) is a public holiday in Sri Lanka, highlighting the calendar’s national importance.
1.3 Role in Daily Life
The Sinhala calendar guides:
- Religious observances (Buddhist meditation, pujas).
- Agriculture (paddy planting, harvesting).
- National holidays and festivals.
- Astrology & rituals (weddings, housewarmings).
2. Sinhala Calendar – Horoscope (Astrology)
2.1 Importance of Astrology
In Sri Lanka, astrology (Jyotishya) plays a central role in decision-making. The Sinhala calendar forms the foundation of horoscopes (Kundali).
2.2 Horoscope and Birth Charts
- Birth charts are prepared based on Sinhala date, time, and planetary positions.
- Determines personality, career, marriage compatibility, and health.
- Astrologers consult the calendar to check graha (planetary influences).
2.3 Zodiac Signs in Sinhala Astrology
Sinhala astrology follows 12 Rashi (zodiac signs):
- Mesha (Aries), Vrushabha (Taurus), Mithuna (Gemini), Karkata (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Vrischika (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makara (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius), Meena (Pisces).
Predictions are published in Sinhala calendars as daily, weekly, and yearly horoscopes.
3. Sinhala Calendar – Auspicious Times (Muhurat)
3.1 What is Muhurta?
Auspicious times are chosen based on planetary positions, lunar days, and star constellations. These are essential for:
- Weddings
- Housewarmings
- Business openings
- Religious offerings
3.2 Sinhala New Year (Aluth Avurudda) Example
The Sinhala & Tamil New Year in April is determined by the calendar, which fixes:
- Punya Kalaya (Auspicious Time) – for engaging in rituals.
- Nakath Seettuwa – printed almanac booklet showing times for cooking, eating, and leaving home.
3.3 Popular Auspicious Rituals
- Kala Muhurta – planetary timing for ceremonies.
- Nakath – New Year auspicious moments.
- Shanthi Karma – protective rituals against bad planetary influences.
4. Key Dates & Festivals in 2025–2026
Here are major Sinhala calendar events (2025–2026):
- Duruthu Poya – Jan 13, 2025 (Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka)
- Navam Poya – Feb 12, 2025
- Medin Poya – Mar 13, 2025
- Aluth Avurudda (Sinhala & Tamil New Year) – Apr 13–14, 2025
- Vesak Poya – May 12, 2025 (Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, passing)
- Poson Poya – Jun 11, 2025 (arrival of Buddhism)
- Esala Poya & Perahera – Jul 10, 2025 (Kandy Esala Perahera festival)
- Nikini Poya – Aug 9, 2025
- Binara Poya – Sep 7, 2025
- Vap Poya – Oct 6, 2025
- Il Poya – Nov 5, 2025
- Unduvap Poya – Dec 5, 2025
(The same cycle repeats in 2026, with dates adjusted by lunar movements.)
5. Download Link – Sinhala Calendar 2025–2026
You can download Sinhala calendars (print & digital) here:
📥 Download Sinhala Calendar 2025–2026:
- Department of Buddhist Affairs, Sri Lanka – Calendar Download
- Sri Lanka Holidays – Sinhala & Tamil Calendar
- Popular apps: Sri Lanka Calendar 2025, Aluth Avurudu Nakath Calendar (Google Play & App Store).
These downloads include:
- Poya dates
- Festival schedules
- Auspicious times (Nakath)
- Daily horoscopes
6. How to Use the Sinhala Calendar
6.1 For Religion
- Observe Poya days with temple visits, meditation, and almsgiving.
- Plan Vesak lanterns, Poson pilgrimages, and Perahera processions.
6.2 For Social Life
- Weddings, housewarmings, and journeys are based on auspicious times.
- Festivals like Aluth Avurudda strengthen family ties.
6.3 For Agriculture
- Farmers rely on seasonal cycles (Yala & Maha harvests).
- New Year rituals align with harvest celebrations.
6.4 For Astrology
- Horoscopes predict favorable and unfavorable planetary influences.
- Birthdays often follow lunar tithis, not just English dates.
6.5 For Education & Government
- Public holidays follow Poya days.
- Schools and state institutions follow Sinhala–Tamil New Year breaks.
6.6 For Digital Era
- Apps provide reminders for poya days and nakath times.
- Diaspora Sri Lankans use digital calendars to stay connected.
7. Cultural Importance
- Maintains Buddhist heritage in Sri Lanka.
- Ensures harmony with Hindu Tamil traditions (New Year shared).
- Strengthens agriculture and seasonal life cycles.
- Provides a national identity distinct from the global Gregorian calendar.
8. Challenges & Modern Adaptation
- Difficulty in converting dates between Sinhala and Gregorian.
- Urban youth rely more on digital tools.
- Yet, the calendar thrives due to its religious and agricultural relevance.
Conclusion
The Sinhala Calendar 2025–2026 is not merely a list of days—it is a cultural compass for Sri Lanka. From poya day meditations to New Year nakath times, it ensures that spiritual life, farming, and social customs align with nature and the cosmos.
As digital tools make it easier to access, the Sinhala calendar continues to guide festivals, horoscopes, auspicious times, and national holidays. It remains an inseparable part of Sri Lankan identity.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Festival dates and auspicious times may vary due to lunar calculations and regional practices. For exact timings, consult a Sinhala Panchang, astrologer, or official calendar issued by Sri Lankan authorities.
