Kataragama fire walking festival mindfulness and cultural respect
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Foreigners cannot just jump in and participate. Fire walking is the climax of weeks of strict purification, fasting, and intense meditation by devotees honoring the god Skanda. It requires deep spiritual focus. You can watch and photograph respectfully from the boundaries, but do not use flash photography directly in the faces of the walkers.
The energy of the crowd chanting Haro Hara is unbelievable. It is one of the most powerful displays of faith I have ever seen.
Do not wear shoes anywhere near the temple complex during the festival. The ground gets very dusty and hot.
Make sure you visit the Kiri Vehera Buddhist stupa while you are there. Kataragama is a unique place where Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims all worship together peacefully.
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