Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Poson Poya
The Poson
poya
day celebrates the bringing of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Mahinda. In
Anuradhapura there are festivities in the famous temples, while in nearby Mihintale thou-
sands of white-clad pilgrims ascend the lung-busting 1843 steps to the topmost temple.
July
Light-bulb vendors do a huge business as Buddhists gear up for Esala Pera-
hera, which begins at the end of the month. Light displays are an integral
part of the Kandy festivities, with a parade of light-bulb-decorated elephants.
Vel
This festival is held in Colombo and Jaffna. In Colombo the gilded chariot of Murugan
(Skanda), the god of war, is ceremonially hauled from Pettah to Bambalapitiya. In Jaffna
the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil has a 25-day festival.
Kataragama
Another important Hindu festival is held at Kataragama, where devotees put themselves
through a whole gamut of ritual masochism. It commemorates the triumph of the six-
faced, 12-armed war god Skanda over demons here.
August
The Kandy Esala Perahera is important but smaller versions are held across
Sri Lanka. Many celebrations feature dancers and other performers such as
stilt-walkers who practise all year.
Kandy Esala Perahera
The Kandy Esala Perahera, Sri Lanka's most spectacular and prominent festival, is the cli-
max of 10 days and nights of celebrations during the month of Esala. This great procession
honours the sacred tooth relic of Kandy and starts in late July.
