What is Kataragama Perahera?
Kataragama Perahera is a famous religious festival in Sri Lanka. It takes place every year in the town of Kataragama , in the southern part of the country. This event is not just a celebration, it is a mix of religion, culture, and tradition that brings people from many faiths together.
Thousands of people join the festival to worship Lord Kataragama , also known as Skanda or Murugan , a popular god in Hindu and Buddhist beliefs.
Kataragama Perahera Traditional Dance
Kataragama Perahera usually happens in July or August , during the full moon period known as the Esala month in the Sinhala calendar. The whole festival lasts for two weeks , but the final few nights are the most exciting and crowded.
Kataragama Esala Festival 2025 – Daily Procession Schedule
If you’re planning to visit in 2025, here’s the official daily schedule for the Kataragama Perahera :
Day Event Date 1 First Day Perahera June 26, 2025 2 Second Day Perahera June 27, 2025 3 Third Day Perahera June 28, 2025 4 Fourth Day Perahera June 29, 2025 5 Fifth Day Perahera June 30, 2025 6 Sixth Day Perahera July 1, 2025 7 Seventh Day Perahera July 2, 2025 8 Eighth Day Perahera July 3, 2025 9 Ninth Day Perahera July 4, 2025 10 Tenth Day Perahera July 5, 2025 11 Eleventh Day Perahera July 6, 2025 12 Twelfth Day Perahera July 7, 2025 13 Thirteenth Day Perahera July 8, 2025 14 Fourteenth Day Perahera July 9, 2025 15 Final Maha Perahera July 10, 2025 16 Water Cutting Ceremony (Manik Ganga)July 11, 2025
The Final Maha Perahera and Water Cutting Ceremony are the most important and exciting days. Don’t miss them if you’re planning your visit!
What Can You See at the Festival?
During the Perahera, the streets come alive with:
Traditional dancers in colorful clothesDrummers and flutes playing lively musicFire performers showing daring stuntsDecorated elephants carrying temple itemsDevotees walking in silence or carrying milk pots People performing body-piercing rituals as acts of devotion
These events happen mostly at night , creating a magical, spiritual atmosphere.
Tips for Tourists
Topic Details 📍 Location Kataragama town, Southern Sri Lanka 📅 Best Dates July 9–11, 2025 (Final Nights) 🕒 Time Evening to Night (after 6 PM) 👗 Dress Code Wear white or modest clothing 🚗 Getting There Car, train, or bus (Book early) 📸 Photos Allowed, but be respectful 🛑 Behavior Stay quiet, respectful, this is a sacred event
📌 Special Note – Pada Yatra Entry for 2025
If you’re taking part in the Pada Yatra (traditional walking pilgrimage) to Kataragama, here’s an important update:
Entry from Okanda Devalaya will open on June 20, 2025. This permission is granted by the Department of Wildlife Conservation .
The gate will stay open until July 4, 2025 .
During this journey, pilgrims walk through the Yala jungle barefoot to reach Kataragama. It’s a very spiritual and physical journey, showing deep devotion.
Support along the way:
Kataragama Devalaya , Sri Lanka Army , and other organizations will help by offering food, rest places, and medical care.
Photo Credits: Tharindu Dilshan & Pubudu Aravinda Photography
