Early morning Hindu festival

I woke up bright and early this is morning to join the local Hindu festival that was going to take place on Uppuveli beach.  Every year,  people come from all around to partake in the celebrations.  The local temple is a buzz of activity, and is dressed with lights at night.  There have been various events taking place throughout the week. Whenever I asked the hotel staff about what was going on, I didn't get much of an explanation, as it was beyond their English skills.  One morning I awoke to the thick smell of insense at 6:30 am.  When I went down to the hotel lobby the air was so thick from the incense it burnt your lungs, and the air was grey from the smoke. Almost as though there was a fire in the kitchen.

Hindu temple Kali Kovil at night

This morning I thought I would join in the festivities.  I flagged down a trishaw to take me to the beach, arriving shortly before 6:30 am.  Thousands of people were already gathered, and there dozens of boats floating close to the shore.  After about 20 min, a procession arrived at the beach; A group of men were carrying a statue on their backs, and there were some men playing the drums and clarinets.  The statue (which I was not able to get a great picture of, due to the crowds) was of a peacock and a lion.  These are considered sacred animals, as they are used for transporting the gods.

After the procession arrived, the statue was blessed with water and oils, and later brought under a canopy that was set up on the beach.  During the ceremony the music became more vibrant, and people started climbing into the waters, offerings of fruit and food were being thrown from the boats into the crowds, and people were splashing away.  

Michael (the Irsih man I work with) told me about the festival.  I had not looked forward to getting up so early, but I think it was worth it.