A 25 day long commemoration, recognised as Sri Lanka’s longest holy festival, in reverence of the god Murugan, the Nallur Kovil celebrations host lengthy processions. This bursts to life with a flag hoisting ceremony and religious observances.
Bringing together thousands of mainly Hindu devotees to participate in this colourful spectacle, Nallur Kovil festival in Jaffna parades through the inner premises of the temple by day and its outskirts by dusk, and on well into the night.
Images of the god Murugan are respectfully transported throughout the entirety of the festival in revered vehicles in the form of animals: peacocks—silver and green; cobra and swan; all considered sacred to the holy spectrum.
The celebrations conclude with a chariot festival, in which the scared image of the god Murugan is placed in a chariot, amidst the constant drumming and chanting.
Kavadi dance performers take while other devotees hurl coconuts as well as themselves on to the ground in way of ritualistic practice, in honour of true dedication to their faith.
Festivities conclude once the chariot carrying the god Murugan’s image returns to its original starting place.
The diversity of festivities of this holy marvel can be witnessed in August or September.