Matale Muthumariamman Chariot Festival
Every February or March, the Sri Muthumariamman temple in Matale takes its deities around town on ornate wooden chariots, the day before the Medin full moon.
The Sri Muthumariamman Thevasthanam in Matale, about 25 km north of Kandy, is one of the best known Hindu temples in the hill country. You can spot it from the main road by its tall gopuram, covered top to bottom in brightly painted figures of gods and goddesses. The temple is dedicated to Mariamman, the mother goddess who protects against disease and drought.
Its yearly festival is held in February or March, and the high point is the chariot day (Ther), which falls on the day before Medin Poya, the full moon in March. On that day the deities are placed on large, carved wooden chariots and pulled through the streets of Matale by crowds of devotees, with drums and nadaswaram music leading the way.
The festival draws people from across the central hills, including many Tamil families from the tea estates, and the town fills with stalls selling sweets, flowers and religious items. It is also known as a festival that Buddhists and people of other faiths come to watch and join, as the temple has long been part of the town's life.
If you are travelling between Kandy and Dambulla or Sigiriya, Matale is right on the way. Remove your shoes before entering the temple, and dress modestly.
The temple has grown over a long time. It began as a small shrine under a tree on land gifted in 1852, the present temple was built in 1874, and its Raja Gopuram rises about 33 metres above the northern gateway, making it one of the largest in the country. It was badly damaged in the riots of July 1983 and later restored.
On chariot day, arrive in the morning to find a spot along the route, and expect the streets near the temple to close to traffic. Photography rules inside can vary, so ask before taking pictures. A stop here fits easily into a drive between Kandy and the Cultural Triangle.
At a glance
- When: Usually in March
- Duration: Festival in February or March; chariot day is the day before Medin Poya
- Venue: Sri Muthumariamman Thevasthanam, Matale
- Organizer: Sri Muthumariamman Thevasthanam
- Entry: Free