Nallur Festival
Nallur Festival
The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple Festival is Sri Lanka’s longest religious celebration, spanning 25 days and honoring Lord Murugan at the significant Hindu temple in Nallur, Northern Province. The festival occurs in August or September according to the Tamil Calendar, following “Aadi Amavasai” day.
The celebration begins with a flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by ten days of religious rituals. The subsequent nine days of activities center around the temple grounds, culminating in the “Mancham” festival on the tenth day. The festival continues with numerous themed celebrations including Arunagrinathar, Sooriyotsavam, Karthigai, Santhanagopalar, Kaliasavaganam, Kayavallimahavalloi, Thankaratam, Palani, Orumuga, and Sappram.
Throughout the festival, Lord Murugan’s statues are transported on sacred vehicles shaped as animals considered holy, including silver and green peacocks, cobras, and swans. This colorful spectacle attracts thousands of devotees, with processions taking place within the temple premises during daylight hours and extending to the outskirts from dusk until late night.
