Sri Lanka Poya Days 2027
All 12 Poya (full moon) days in Sri Lanka for 2027, with dates and days of the week. Every Poya day is a public, bank and mercantile holiday.
12 Poya days in 2027: 9 fall on weekdays and 3 on weekends.
| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
22 Jan 2027 Friday | Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
20 Feb 2027 Saturday | Navam Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
22 Mar 2027 Monday | Medin Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
20 Apr 2027 Tuesday | Bak Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
19 May 2027 Wednesday | Vesak Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
18 Jun 2027 Friday | Poson Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
18 Jul 2027 Sunday | Esala Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
16 Aug 2027 Monday | Nikini Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
15 Sep 2027 Wednesday | Binara Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
15 Oct 2027 Friday | Vap Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
13 Nov 2027 Saturday | Ill Full Moon Poya Day | BankPublicMercantile |
13 Dec 2027 Monday | 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 2027?
There are 12 Poya days in 2027. 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.