Esala Perahera is celebrated annually in July or August and this year, it will be celebrated from August 10 to 20. This week-long holiday honors the Sacred Tooth Relic and the four ‘guardian’ Gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Goddess Pattini. It is one of the greatest of all Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, which lasts for 10 days. It is observed during “Esala” (July or August), the month believed to commemorate the first teachings of Buddha after enlightenment. The word ‘Perahera’ refers to musicians, dancers, singers, and various other performers with numerous elephants parading the streets to celebrate religious events. The festival ends with the traditional ritual, a water cutting ceremony which is held at the Mahaweli River in Kandy.
Feast of St. James
The Feast of St. James the Apostle is celebrated yearly on July 25. Saint James alongside his brother, John were sons of Zebedee and part of the first four Apostles chosen by Jesus. James the Great or James the Greater (due to his greater size or the age difference between him and James The Lesser). The day is Galicia day as Saint James is the patron saint of Galicia and Spain. It is believed his remains are in the Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The day is set aside to celebrate one of the most important saints in Spain.
O. Henry Pun-off Day
O. Henry Pun-off Day is held on the day before Mother’s Day each year in the United States. This year, it takes place on May 9. The celebrations are carried out with great festivity in Austin, Texas. On this day, pun enthusiasts gather to compete in the battle of wits. It is a spoken word competition that everyone who enjoys puns looks forward to. The day is named after the great author O. Henry, who was known for his use of puns, wordplay, and wit in his literary work. Do you think you have what it takes to be crowned the O. Henry Pun-off Day champion? Let’s put your vocabulary to the test!