Sri Lanka
Legend has it that one of Buddha’s teeth was
stolen from his grave 1,700 years ago and
smuggled to Sri Lanka. This festival celebrates this
sacred tooth with ten days of burning incense,
beating drums and dancing; elephants are
dressed in bright cloths. The festival is concluded
with a traditional ritual called diya-kepeema, a
“water cutting ceremony”. The locals believe that
to touch or bath in this water eliminates evil.AUGUST 3–
AUGUST 22 – SEPTEMBER 19
Chinese communities in Asia
The Chinese believe that the ghosts of their
ancestors return to Ear th in search of food
during the month of the hungr y ghosts.
People plan extravagant concer ts to enter tain
the spirits and even leave the first row of
seats empty for their ancestors to join them.
People leave of ferings of food and incense
along walkways in the hope that the spirits
will bring them good for tune.ESALA PERAHERA
HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL
BIRDS OF PREY FESTIVAL
Kyrgyzstan
Eagles and falcons have played a large par t
in Kyrgyzstan’s heritage for centuries, hunting
alongside man and earning their places as
well-loved members of Kyrgyz families. To
celebrate their magnificent companions, the
Kyrgyz people from around Issyk-Köl organise
a festival with concer ts to showcase traditional
ar t forms, and hold competitions for their birds.
Exper ts are invited to give educational talks
about eagles and falcons – the main birds
used for hunting.AUGUST 15
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