A multi faith day visiting a Buddhist temple Hindu kovil mosque and church is it doable and the etiquette
I am curious about the islands faiths Sri Lanka has Buddhism Hinduism Islam and Christianity often side by side Could I do a multi faith day visiting a Buddhist TEMPLE a Hindu KOVIL a MOSQUE and a CHURCH to appreciate the religious harmony is that doable and respectful what is the etiquette for each (dress shoes behaviour photos) as a respectful non believer and are there places where these sit close together Please guide me on doing it respectfully
7 Answers from travellers
Culture guide so a multi faith day a lovely respectful idea and very doable Doable YES Sri Lanka is genuinely MULTI RELIGIOUS Buddhist Hindu Muslim and Christian places of worship coexist often close together (a temple a kovil a mosque and a church within a town) so a multi faith day appreciating the harmony is achievable and beautiful many mixed towns (Colombo Kandy the coastal towns Negombo for churches) have all four within reach The etiquette GENERAL across all dress MODESTLY (cover shoulders and knees) remove SHOES where required be QUIET and respectful ASK before photographing people or rituals BUDDHIST TEMPLE shoes AND hats off cover shoulders and knees never turn your back to or pose disrespectfully with Buddha images never point your feet at the Buddha quiet reverence a small donation is kind HINDU KOVIL shoes off modest dress (men sometimes remove shirts at inner shrines follow the lead) do not touch idols or offerings photography often restricted inside (ask) MOSQUE dress conservatively (women cover the head with a scarf arms and legs covered men long trousers) shoes off avoid PRAYER TIMES some areas may be off limits to non Muslims or to women (ask permission) Fridays are busy CHURCH modest dress quiet behaviour easy going generally Doing it respectfully go with genuine curiosity and humility follow the worshippers lead carry a scarf and a sarong to adapt your cover remove shoes ask about photos avoid mosque prayer times a respectful guest is welcomed at all of them a local GUIDE helps plan a close route explain each faith and smooth your entry (especially the mosque) So yes a multi faith day is very doable visit a temple kovil mosque and church (many towns have all four close) dress modestly and conservatively shoes off stay reverent ask before photos follow the lead and avoid mosque prayer times go with humility and you get a moving appreciation of the islands religious harmony
The kovil and the temple were the most visually overwhelming for me in the best way but the quiet of a small church and the dignity of a mosque visit balanced the day seeing all four faiths in one day really does show you the islands coexistence powerfully
The avoid mosque prayer times and women cover the head point is worth heeding we asked permission first and were kindly shown around outside prayer time the respect is repaid with warmth a little conservative care goes a long way at the mosque
Carry a large scarf and a sarong all day they let you adapt instantly cover shoulders and knees at the temple wrap your head at the mosque and you are always appropriately dressed without carrying a whole wardrobe it is the practical key to a smooth multi faith day
Following up did the multi faith day in a mixed town with a guide as suggested and it was the most meaningful day of my trip the harmony of the four faiths within walking distance and the warm welcome at each was deeply moving thank you all
Going with a local guide made all the difference they explained the meaning behind each ritual and place and smoothed our entry especially where to go and not go it turned four building visits into a genuine understanding of the four faiths well worth it
Visit a temple kovil mosque and church many towns have all four close dress modestly and conservatively shoes off stay reverent ask before photos follow the lead avoid mosque prayer times and go with humility this is exactly the respectful multi faith day I hoped to do thank you
Fair TukTuk Prices
Help travelers avoid overcharging!
Be the first to report a priceYou must be logged in to post an answer.
Log In to Answer