Sri Lanka Poya Days 2026
All 13 Poya (full moon) days in Sri Lanka for 2026, with dates and days of the week. Every Poya day is a public, bank and mercantile holiday.
13 Poya days in 2026: 8 fall on weekdays and 5 on weekends.
| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
03 Jan 2026 Saturday | Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
01 Feb 2026 Sunday | Navam Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
02 Mar 2026 Monday | Medin Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
01 Apr 2026 Wednesday | Bak Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
01 May 2026 Friday | Vesak Full Moon Poya Day & May Day (International Workers' Day) | BankPublicMercantile |
30 May 2026 Saturday | Adhi Poson Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
29 Jun 2026 Monday | Poson Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
29 Jul 2026 Wednesday | Esala Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
27 Aug 2026 Thursday | Nikini Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
26 Sep 2026 Saturday | Binara Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
25 Oct 2026 Sunday | Vap Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
24 Nov 2026 Tuesday | Ill Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
23 Dec 2026 Wednesday | Unduwap Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
About Poya days
Poya is a monthly Buddhist observance held on the full moon day, and every Poya day is a public, bank and mercantile holiday in Sri Lanka. Many people visit temples, and the sale of alcohol is generally prohibited. Most years have 12 Poya days; a year with an extra (Adhi) full moon has 13, for example 2026 with its Adhi Poson Poya. Each Poya day has its own meaning, from Vesak, which marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha, to Poson, which marks the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Select a Poya day in the table for its full guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many Poya days are there in 2026?
There are 13 Poya days in 2026. Most years have 12; a year with an extra (Adhi) full moon has 13.
Are Poya days public holidays in Sri Lanka?
Yes. Every Poya day is observed as a public, bank and mercantile holiday.
Is alcohol sold on Poya days?
Generally no. The sale of alcohol is prohibited on Poya days, and many shops and restaurants adjust their hours.
Which are the most important Poya days?
Vesak, which marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha, and Poson, which marks the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, are the most widely celebrated. Each has its own guide page.
Want to plan time off around these dates? See Sri Lanka long weekends or use the interactive holiday planner.