A vibrant Hindu chariot festival featuring grand processions, traditional music, and deep spiritual devotion, celebrating faith and culture in Matale.
03/03/2026 8:30 am
03/04/2026 12:00 am
The Theru Festival at the historic Matale Muthumari Amman Kovil is one of the most vibrant and spiritually rich cultural celebrations in Sri Lanka. Held annually in February–March around the Full Moon Poya day (Magam/Medin), the festival brings thousands of devotees, visitors, and photographers to Matale town to witness an unforgettable religious and cultural spectacle.
The Muthumari Amman Kovil is a renowned Hindu temple in Matale, dedicated to Goddess Muthumariamman, the goddess of rain, fertility, and protection. Its striking Dravidian architecture and towering 108-ft Raja Gopuram make it a distinctive landmark in the region. Established in the 19th century and traditionally revered by both Hindu and Buddhist communities, the temple has grown into a major spiritual center and symbol of unity.
The Theru Festival — also known as the Chariot Festival — is the heart of the temple’s annual celebrations. Rooted in ancient traditions, this festival honors Goddess Muthumariamman and seeks her blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. The festivities typically unfold over several days:
Dawn Poojas & Flag Hoisting: The festival begins with early-morning rituals and poojas, marking the start of the sacred period.
Evening Rituals: Devotees gather in the evenings for traditional worship and extended poojas, drawing community participation.
Theru Chariot Procession: On the main festival day, five elaborately decorated chariots may be pulled through the streets by devotees of all backgrounds — not just Hindus — in a show of devotion and unity. Each chariot bears sacred statues of deities such as Murugan, Ganesh, Pattini, Shiva, and others, shining with colorful lights and ornaments.
Community Celebration: Locals decorate homes and shops with traditional symbols like banana, arecanut plants, and mango leaves, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.
This festival is a poignant example of cultural harmony, with people from diverse religious communities joining in the celebrations.
