Learn the tradition

Dansal & festival guides

Everything you need to understand and take part in Sri Lanka's season of giving — from the meaning of a dansal to running one of your own.

Culture · 9 min read

What Is a Dansal? The Sri Lankan Tradition of Giving

The meaning, history and spirit behind Sri Lanka's free roadside food stalls.

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How-to · 12 min read

How to Start a Dansal: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide

Everything you need to plan, fund and run a safe, welcoming dansal.

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Festivals · 11 min read

Vesak in Sri Lanka: A Complete Guide to the Festival of Light

The meaning, traditions and street celebrations of Sri Lanka's biggest festival.

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Festivals · 9 min read

Poson Poya: How Buddhism Came to Sri Lanka

The festival that celebrates the moment Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka.

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Culture · 7 min read

Types of Dansal: From Kanji to Faluda

A field guide to the many kinds of dansal you'll meet on the road.

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Etiquette · 6 min read

Visiting a Dansal: Etiquette, Do's and Don'ts

How to enjoy a dansal respectfully — and leave it better than you found it.

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