Kataragama Festival

The Kataragama Perahera is held in the months of July/August and is a festival that coincides with the new Moon in the Esala month. This two-week Perahera attracts thousands of Hindus and Buddhists, many of who make the pilgrimage on foot from as far afield as Jaffna in Sri Lanka’s northern peninsula.

People of different religious faith seek atonement through the means of self-mutilation and piercings. The festive enthusiasm is high and can be seen more pronounced in the processions of musicians, lavishly garmented elephants, dancers, acrobats and fire-eaters. As a part of the parade, some of the devotees also walk on fire. Devotees also offer garlands of red flowers to Skanda, the son of Shiva.

Where: Kataragama town

When: July or August