Old Kathiresan Kovil

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Lonely Planet review

Known as kovil, Hindu temples are numerous in Colombo. On Sea St, the goldsmiths' street in Pettah, the Old Kathiresan Kovil and the New Kathiresan Kovil are dedicated to the war god Murugan (Skanda), are the starting point for the annual Hindu Vel festival held in July/August, when the huge vel (trident) chariot is dragged to various kovils on Galle Rd in Bambalapitiya.

During the harvest festival of Thai Pongal (held in January) devotees flock to Hindu temples, which become even more colourful and lively.