Written by Muhammad Thahir · Sources checked 4 November 2026
The Kataragama festival is a two-week Esala festival at the sacred town of Kataragama in south-east Sri Lanka. Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and the Vedda community all worship here. Nightly processions build to a water-cutting ceremony in the Menik Ganga river. Many pilgrims arrive on foot along the Pada Yatra route through the east-coast parks.
What happens at the Kataragama festival?
Nightly processions
Elephants, drummers and dancers carry the deity’s casket around the sacred area each evening.
Acts of devotion
Some devotees carry kavadi arches, roll on the ground or walk on fire to fulfil vows.
Water-cutting
The festival ends with a ritual in the Menik Ganga, the river beside the shrines.
Kiri Vehera
The white Buddhist stupa at the edge of the sacred area, busiest in the evening.
When is the festival?
The festival follows the lunar calendar and usually ends close to the Esala full moon. The Central Bank’s 2027 holiday list gives Esala Poya as 18 July 2027.
Checked 4 November 2026In 2026, Kumana National Park opened its gates to Pada Yatra pilgrims on 10 July, as Hiru News reported. The 2027 dates had not been announced when we checked.
How to visit
- Stay: Kataragama and nearby Tissamaharama have guesthouses, which fill quickly during the festival.
- Dress: wear white or light clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and remove shoes in the sacred area.
- Timing: the evening puja is the heart of each day. Arrive before dusk.
- Combine: a jeep safari in Yala, which is close by. See our wildlife safaris page.
Local planning noteKataragama is worth a visit outside the festival too. The evening puja runs all year, and the town is far calmer.
Kataragama also appears on our Ramayana tour route. For other festivals, see our Sri Lanka festivals calendar and Hindu temples guide.
Plan a visit to Kataragama
Tell us your dates. Our tailor-made team can pair the evening puja with a Yala safari and a south coast stay.
Kataragama festival questions
When is the Kataragama festival?
It usually runs for about two weeks in July and ends near the Esala full moon. In 2027, Esala Poya falls on 18 July. Dates are confirmed each year, so check before you book.
What is the Pada Yatra?
The Pada Yatra is a walking pilgrimage to Kataragama, traditionally from the north and east of the island. Pilgrims cross Kumana and Yala, and the park gates open for them during the festival season.
Can tourists attend the Kataragama festival?
Yes. Visitors are welcome to watch the evening processions and rituals. Dress modestly in light clothing, remove shoes in the sacred area, and ask before photographing people performing vows.
Featured photo: Kawshika / Pexels. Kiri Vehera, Kataragama; illustrative destination photograph.
