Photography rules during Colombo Vesak festival lantern displays
6 Answers from travellers
Photography of the Pandols (Thorana) is totally fine and welcomed. The main rule applies to taking photos WITH the structures or nearby monks. Do not pose with your back turned to any Buddhist imagery displayed on the lanterns. Take photos from a respectful distance. Also, do not use a drone in the dense city crowds; it is illegal and police will confiscate it.
It gets shoulder-to-shoulder crowded near the main displays at Bauddhaloka Mawatha. Keep your camera strap securely around your neck to avoid drops or pickpockets.
We used a wide-angle lens and just shot the structures. No selfies to be safe.
Using a flash is useless anyway because the lanterns are illuminated, but it annoys the thousands of people trying to appreciate the artwork in the dark.
Can we take photos of the people handing out free food
Yes, they are usually very proud and happy to be photographed doing almsgiving. Just smile and ask first.
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