6. Kataragma Perahera
This festival is like an extension of Esala Perahera. The elephants take centre stage here as well, this festival is more of a celebration of the regional culture of Sri Lanka. Regional dancers, ceremonial fire walkers, fire eaters, musicians and artists from different parts of the country come together to perform, with an equally enthusiastic crowd watching them. This is one of the most enthusiastic Perahera, with its vibrant colours and musical celebrations.
The preparations of this festival start about a month in advance from its actual date.
7. Duruthu Perahera
Also known as the Kelani Perahera, it’s a magnificent four day festival that is celebrated by the Kelaniya temple. A grand procession of drummers, dancers, torch-bearers, elephants and acrobats make this Perahera the most colourful and popular country procession of its kind in Sri Lanka and a night of splendour. It celebrates the day when Gautam Buddha visited Kelaniya and blessed the people there with his teachings. The week long festival celebrates by hosting food, art and performances from all the cultures of Sri Lanka. Stalls are set up that sell goods made in the vicinity.
8. Mahashivratri
Sri Lanka is one of the many countries that celebrate Maha Shivratri quite avidly. It is considered a public holiday and massive pujas are held all over the country. Many people are strict devotees of Lord Shiva so this festival happens to be a very important festival for them. The most important ritual, the Shivratri Puja is held in the wee hours of the night with devotees standing in long queues to witness the grand ceremonies.
9. Ramadan
Sri Lanka is a country of great diversity and Ramadan is celebrated with equal fervour as most of the Hindu festivals. The fair majority of Muslim families begun celebrating the festival from the early hours of the morning to night. Ramadan ends with the celebration of Id’ul Fitr festival, where people go to the mosque in the morning just after sunrise putting on new clothes, praying and then listen to a sermons. Afterwards they give Salaams, hug each other as a blessing and gesture of happiness, just like Easter.
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