Written by Muhammad Thahir · Sources checked 4 November 2026
The Nallur festival in Jaffna is the annual festival of the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, the best-known Murugan temple in Sri Lanka. It runs for about 25 days, usually from August into September, with daily processions. The busiest days are the chariot procession and the water ceremony near the end. Men remove their shirts to enter the temple.
What happens during the Nallur festival?
The festival begins with a flag-raising and continues with morning and evening processions of the deity around the temple. All India Radio reported thousands of devotees at the chariot festival, when the deity is pulled around the temple on a large wooden car.
Daily processions
Nadaswaram pipes, drums and decorated vahanams carry Murugan around the outer courtyard.
Chariot day
Devotees pull the chariot with thick ropes. Some perform vows such as kavadi.
Theertham
The water ceremony, held near the end of the festival.
Street stalls
Stalls selling sweets, toys and religious items line the roads around the temple.
When is the festival?
Checked 4 November 2026The temple sets the dates each year by the Tamil Hindu calendar. Tamil Guardian reports on the flag-raising that opens the festival. The 2027 dates had not been announced when we checked.
Visiting Nallur temple
- Dress: men remove shirts before entering. Women wear long skirts or saris, or trousers with a long top.
- Shoes: leave them at the stalls outside, as at all Hindu temples.
- Puja times: rituals start precisely on time. Arrive a few minutes early.
- Photos: photography inside the temple is restricted. Ask before taking pictures.
Local planning noteJaffna hotels fill up on the main festival days. Book early, and plan to reach the temple on foot or by tuk-tuk, as roads nearby close to cars.
Our north Sri Lanka itinerary covers Jaffna, and our Hindu temples guide lists other major kovils. See the full festivals calendar.
Exploring the north?
Our 14-day northern heritage journey includes Jaffna and its temples.
Time a Jaffna trip with the festival
Tell us your August or September dates. Our tailor-made team can match your Jaffna nights to the main festival days once they are announced.
Nallur festival questions
When is the Nallur festival?
It usually runs for about 25 days from August into September. The temple sets the exact dates each year by the Tamil Hindu calendar, and the 2027 dates had not been announced when we checked.
What is the dress code at Nallur temple?
Men must remove their shirts before entering. Women should wear a long skirt, sari or trousers with a long top. Everyone leaves shoes outside the temple.
Which is the best day to see the Nallur festival?
The chariot day, near the end of the festival, has the biggest crowds and the most spectacle. For a calmer visit, choose one of the earlier days and attend an evening procession.
Featured photo: S Dhanushka M Keerthirathna / Pexels. Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jaffna; illustrative destination photograph.
