JULY / AUGUST

Kandy Esala Perahera

The esala Perahera, held in the hill capital of Kandy, is one of the most magnificent spectacles in Asia. It traces its roots to King Siri Meghavanna or Kithsiri Mevan (304-332 AD), during whose reign the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha – the centerpiece of the festival and symbol of the county’s sovereignty – was borne to Sri Lanka from Kalinga by a Brahmin princess; but its present form was inaugurated by the 18^th century Kandyan King Kirti Sri Rajasingha. The festival commences with nightly processions over 10 days and culminates in a day procession on the eleventh. Hundreds of costumed dancers, drummers, musicians, torch-bearers, whip-crackers, acrobats and other participants parade along the streets, while colourfully caparisoned elephants pace majestically past.

Kataragama Festival

The ancient jungle shrine of Kataragama on the banks of the Menik (Gem) River in the southeast corner of the island has been a place of pilgrimage for over two millennia and is the focal point of a two weeklong festival and perahera in July/August honouring the Hindu war god Skanda, also known as Murugan. Pilgrims, including those from India, begin their trek to the site weeks – and sometimes months – in advance. A striking feature of the festival is the self-wrongdoing or in fulfillment of vows. These amazing deeds of faith include the skewering of bodies, suspension from hooks pierced through flesh and fire-walking. Visitors to Kataragama include both Hindus and Buddhists, as well as some Muslims, who have their own shrine, the Khidr maqam dedicated to Al-Khidr, the ‘green one’.

Vel Festival

This annual festival is the occasion when the Vel or trident, the weapon of Kathiresan , an aspect of the Hindu war-god Skanda, is borne in a gorgeous gilded chariot from the Kathiresan kovil in Sea Street, Colombo 11 to a kovil in Bambalapitiya (Col.4) or Wellawatte (Col.6) in alternation each year. It lasts three days and nights and is distinguished by its carnival atmosphere.

Church Feast – St. Anne Talawila Church

Roman Catholics observe the annual Feast St. Anne, dedicated to the mother of the Virgin Mary, on July 26 at Talawila church – reputed as a place of miraculous healing – on the Kalpitiya peninsula.