Prime Vacations SriLanka

	Events For July
Esala Perahera (Kandy Perahera) Esala (July/August) is the season of festivals in Sri Lanka and the full moon day of Esala is the climax of some of the festivals. The most magnificent of these festivals is the Kandy Esala Perahera. A spectacular medieval day pageant is held for 10 nights climaxing with the Kandyan dancers and Drummers in colourful traditional costumes. Kandyan Chieftains in medieval court dress, more than one hundred caparisoned elephants whip crackers, torch bearers etc., making it an unforgettable experience. (The exact date of the Esala Peraheras and of the other festivals are announced only during the first quarter of the year)
Kataragama Festival The Kataragama festival is another of the major Esala Festivals. Kataragama in the South-East corner of the island is a jungle shrine dedicated to God Skanda and is a popular pilgrim centre for Buddhists and Hindus. Fire walking and the annual perahera in July/August are some of its highlights.
Mayurapathy Chariot Festival The chariot festival of the Mayurapathy Sri Paththirakaali Amman temple is held in Colombo every year. This is a Hindu procession which starts in the morning from the Kovil and continues the whole day. The chariot stops for blessings while traditional instruments are played. Male devotees hang on hooks, and dancers carry pots decorated with Margosa leaves, some devotees roll themselves on the road to fulfill their vows. Unmarried females believe that prayers on this day will promote matrimony.
Hikkaduwa Beach Festival One of the largest festivals of its kind in Asia. The Hikkaduwa Beach Festival in 08 rocked crowds in excess of 15,000 and brought alive this charming town with pulsating vibes and bright and colourful lights. Hikkaduwa Beach Festival 2009 promises to be even more exciting with a world class artist lineup and events that will challenge limits you never knew you had. Its bigger, brighter and louder.