It is very commonly served for breakfast on the first day of each month and also has the added significance of being eaten for any auspicious moment throughout one's lifetime which are marking times of transition.

[5] It is said that Sujata offered kiribath to Gautama Buddha whilst he was meditating under the bodhi tree, just before attaining enlightenment.

[8][6] At the dawn of the new year, a hearth within the household is lit by the lady of the house and the traditional pot of kiribath is boiled.

When the cooking is finished, after a series of observances and rituals the family begins to eat, but not before making an offering to the Buddha and gods first.

During the Sinhalese New Year, or on any other special occasion, kiribath will be served as the main dish and centrepiece of the meal.

[6] Kiribath is usually served with lunumiris, a relish made of red onions, mixed with chili flakes, Maldives fish, salt, and lime.

The banana leaf is folded and rolled vertically and pressed firm giving it its unusual cylindrical shape.