Navarathri Festival

Celebrated annually at the start of October (depending on the lunar calendar), the Navarathri Festival is a joyous occasion for Hindus everywhere as they pay tribute to the Divine Mother Durga, and for 9 days celebrate each of her 9 forms. In Sri Lanka, one place to catch some of the Navarathri festivities is the town of Chilaw. Hotels in the area are fairly easy to come by, but if you’re looking for a few more facilities you might want to check out the Anantaya Resort & Spa Chilaw. The Munneswaram Temple is where most of the Navarathri highlights take place in Chilaw, including the invocation of blessings from Goddess Durga. Celebrations also take place in the homes of devotees where Navarathri Golu (or Kolu, depending on where you’re from) are set up, with dolls depicting various scenes. It is also common for visitors to pop by to see the dolls, baring gifts, sweets and savoury items.