Navam Perahera
Every February around Navam Poya, Gangaramaya Temple's perahera loops around Beira Lake over two nights, with elephants, monks and dancers from across the island.
The Navam Maha Perahera is Colombo's biggest procession, held over two nights around Navam Poya, the full moon in February. It sets out from Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya and winds through the streets around Beira Lake, drawing huge crowds to the roads near Viharamahadevi Park.
The perahera was first held in 1979. It was the idea of the temple's long serving chief incumbent, Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thero, widely known as Podi Hamuduruwo, who led Gangaramaya until his death in 2024. Inspired by the Esala Perahera in Kandy, it helped keep alive dance and drumming traditions that were slowly fading, and it still brings thousands of performers to Colombo every year.
What sets it apart is the mix. Dancers and drummers from the hill country, the south, Sabaragamuwa, the north and the east perform side by side, and Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian groups all take part, alongside decorated elephants, torch bearers and hundreds of monks in saffron robes.
Navam Poya carries its own meaning in the Buddhist calendar. It's the day traditionally linked to the Buddha appointing his two chief disciples, Sariputta and Moggallana, so temples across the country are busy with devotees in white during the day, before the crowds move to the roadside for the perahera at night.
Start point: Gangaramaya Temple on Sri Jinarathana Mawatha in Colombo.
Route: Sir James Peiris Mawatha, Navam Mawatha, Uttarananda Mawatha and Perahera Mawatha, forming a loop around Beira Lake.
End point: Back at Gangaramaya Temple.
The main perahera night draws the biggest crowds, so get to the route by late afternoon to find a spot along the kerb. Streets around the temple close to traffic, so plan to walk the last stretch, and carry water, since you'll be standing for a few hours. If you want to see the temple itself, come back on a quieter day, when you can take your time inside.
At a glance
- When: Usually in February
- Duration: Two nights around Navam Poya (February)
- Venue: Gangaramaya Temple
- Organizer: Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya, Colombo
- Entry: Free