Jul 26th: Mayurapathy Chariot Festival

Special pooja was performed and the beautifully dressed idols were placed on five different chariots. They were pulled by male and female devotees including kids. The sky looked gloomy, it drizzled and rained later.

Although it was a Sunday, the traffic was heavy, which was controlled by the authorities. Chariots were welcomed by the devotees who gathered on the streets with Kumbam, Kuththu Vilakku, fresh flower garlands, incense sticks, camphor , silk cloth, coconut and fruits while heaps of coconuts were smashed on the ground.

The five chariots paraded through Havelock Road, Dr. Lester James Pieris Mawatha (Former Dickman’s Road), Galle Road and W.A.Silva Mawatha (High Street). Thavil and Nathaswaram were played continuously. And devotional songs dedicated to the Goddess were also played in a tuk tuk, which was moving from street to street.

The five chariots were followed by devotees carrying out their vows such as rolling on the road, carrying a clay pot of burning camphor, and taking various Kaavadis including Anjaneyar Kaavadi, Thookku Kaavadi or Paravai Kaavadi and normal Kaavadi. Bajan singers sang devotional songs and walked behind the chariots.