While keeping to traditional customs, the annual Kataragama Esala Perahera was held on a grand scale in Sri Lanka featuring elephants, drummers, stilt-walkers, whip-crackers, dancers and more. The focal point of this cultural event was the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya within easy reach of Kithala Resort; those based at such hotels in Tissamaharama had the chance to easily attend this festival which took place from 19th June to 4th July 2023 following the traditional planting ceremony or ‘Kap Situweema’ on 6th May.

An event that attracted devotees from across the island as well as visiting tourists, the Kataragama Esala Perahera honours the Kataragama God, Skanda and commemorates his union and love with Valli Matha, his consort; interestingly, he is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus alike. Amongst the key highlights of this event were the various processions that were held on different nights culminating in the grandest of them, the Magul Perahera held on 3rd July 2023. The festival came to an end on 4th July with a water-cutting ceremony at the Menik River.

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