Yala National park: Kataragama

Kataragama

Kataragama God

Kataragama (also Katharagama, Katirkamam and Kathirgamam) is a pilgrimage town popular with Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and indigenous Vedda communities of Sri Lanka and South India. The town has Ruhunu Maha Kataragama devalaya, a shrine dedicated to Skanda-Murukan also known as Kataragamadevio. Kataragama is situated in the Monaragala District of Uva province, Sri Lanka. It is situated 228 km ESE of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Although Kataragama was a small village in medieval times, today it is a fast developing township surrounded by jungle in the South Eastern region of Sri Lanka. It also houses the ancient Kiri Vehera Buddhist stupa. The town has a venerable history dating back to the last centuries of BCE. It also was the seat of government of many Sinhalese kings during the days of Rohana kingdom. Since the 1950's the city has undergone many improvements with successive governments investing in public transportation, medical facilities, and business development and hotel services. It adjoins the popular Yala national park.

Kirivehera stupa

Enterace of Katatagama dewalaya

Kataragama perahera

KATARAGAMA MAHA PERAHERA

Traditional dancers

Katragama Esala Maha Perahera is one of the main events of the Kataragama Calender. This ritualistic possession is held on the Esala Full moon Poya Day which falls on July – August. This is Perahera is unique in the way it is held and the possession itself. One interesting fact is that the Perahera festival officially begins by the flag hoisting ceremony at the Islamic mosque in Kataragama. The festival is coloured by fire walking ceremonies, Kavadi Dances and self mutilating sacrifices by devotees. These devotees perform certain penances by piercing their tongues, cheeks and others attaching iron hooks to their backs and pulling heavy loads. Although Kataragama Pilgrimage season reaches its peak on this annual perahera, it is place where people go any time of the year

Beauty of Kataragama perahera

Beauty of Kataragama perahara