Jaffna is the northernmost part of the mesmerizing island of Sri Lanka, blessed with a mix of rich culture, tradition and hospitable people. For travelers visiting Sri Lanka this summer, here’s what you can expect if you take the time to visit Jaffna.
It is truly magnificent in Jaffna, as there are attractions galore, new cuisine to taste and comforts to enjoy. And if you’re one of those special people who love a good dose of culture, then Jaffna is exactly the place to be this August.
In the months of July and August, especially, there are many Hindu religious festivities that take place in the temples in Jaffna. Given that it’s already August, there are a few festivals coming up towards the end of the month that are sure to pique your interest. One such event is the Selva Sannidi Murugan Temple Festival- a feast for the senses in every sense of the word!
Lord Murugan, the presiding deity of the temple, is the God of War and Victory who is one of the main deities worshipped by the Hindu people. The Selva Sannidi Murugan Temple is located about 20 miles north of the Jaffna city and devotees flock to participate in the annual temple festival which gets underway in the second and third weeks of August.
The devotional days begin with a pooja or prayer service conducted by the temple priest, and afterwards, the temple flag is hoisted. The festivities that include various poojas, offerings and chanting, end with a chariot procession and holy bath at the end of 15 days of celebrations. One very important and unique part of the festivities that is not practiced in any other festival, is the Mauna Thiruvizha or ‘Silence Festival’. Curious? You have to be there to really experience it.
So enjoy your two weeks in Jaffna and stay at The Thinnai All Suite Boutique Hotel for good measure. Bring the family or even your friends and make a vacation of it. The hotel is absolutely lovely and the service, even better. Jaffna and all its mysteries are now that much closer to you…..