Sri Lanka holds annual Buddhist Navam procession

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One of the traditions Sri Lankans hold in high regard is the Buddhist Navam procession, also known as the Perahera festival, which is a historic ritual to pay homage to Lord Buddha — a festival of dance, customs, and heritage.

Sri Lanka traditional Kandyan dancers' performance. /VCG Photo

Sri Lanka traditional drummer in the procession. /VCG Photo

Sri Lanka traditional Kandyan dancer in the performance. /VCG Photo

Sri Lanka traditional dance performance in the procession.

People interacting with elephants preparing for the procession. /VCG Photo

An elephant prepared for the procession. /VCG Photo

Thousands of people with dozens of elephants gathered at the Gangaramaya Temple to take part in the annual Buddhist Navam procession scheduled for February 18 to 19.

Fifty more elephants, most of which are from the central area of Kandy, with thousands of traditional drummers, Kadyan dancers, and monks have gathered in the Sri Lankan capital to participate in the festival.

With elaborate costumes, gyrating dance moves and show-stopping, fire-breathing stunts, a Perahera procession is one of the defining experiences of Sri Lanka.

(Cover: A Sri Lankan Buddhist monk blesses an elephant at the Gangaramaya Temple. /VCG Photo)

(With input from Xinhua)