Sri Lanka Celebrates Annual Kataragama Esala Festival

The annual Kataragama Esala festival is being celebrated in Sri Lanka. Devotees who started their Pada Yatra in May have reached Kataragama completing a journey of over 500 kilometres across difficult terrain on foot from as far afield as Jaffna in Sri Lanka’s northern peninsula.

Deep bonds bridging India and Sri Lanka

The festival which is celebrated across faiths is known to have deep bonds bridging India and Sri Lanka. Katharagama’s main temple of the Maha Devala is dedicated to the Hindu God of War, Skanda.  Said to have six heads, twelve arms, twenty names and-two wives, Skanda is also ardently worshipped by Buddhists as the Katharagama Deviyo, while Muslims believe that the place has connection with Hazrat Khizr. The Perahara which commenced on 6th of July will feature fire walk event on July 18, and end on 21st July with a grand procession.

About Kataragama Esala Festival

The Kataragama Esala Festival, also known as the Kataragama Perahera, is a significant religious and cultural event held annually in the town of Kataragama in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most important festivals in the country, attracting thousands of devotees and visitors from all over Sri Lanka and beyond. The festival takes place in the month of July or August and lasts for several weeks.

Worship of Lord Kataragama

It is dedicated to the worship of Lord Kataragama, a Hindu deity widely revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. The origins of the festival can be traced back to ancient times and have evolved to include elements from both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. During the Kataragama Esala Festival, the town comes alive with vibrant processions, religious rituals, music, dance, and various cultural performances.

Special ceremonies and rituals

The main highlight of the festival is the grand procession, or perahera, which features beautifully adorned elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and devotees carrying sacred relics and offerings. The procession moves through the streets of Kataragama, accompanied by chanting and religious hymns. It culminates at the Kataragama Temple, where special ceremonies and rituals take place. Devotees participate in acts of devotion, seeking blessings and making offerings to Lord Kataragama.

Rich heritage of Sri Lanka

The Kataragama Esala Festival is not only a religious event but also a cultural celebration that showcases the rich heritage of Sri Lanka. It is a time for people to come together, strengthen their faith, and experience the unique traditions and customs of the region. It is an opportunity to witness the spiritual fervor, colorful pageantry, and deep-rooted traditions associated with this revered festival in Sri Lanka.