With celebrations lasting for over two weeks, this Hindu festival attracts visitors in large numbers to Kataragama town in southern Sri Lanka. People of different religious faith seek atonement through 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 devotees also walk on fire. Devotees also offer garlands of red flowers to Skanda, the son of Shiva.
Date: July or August