The Gangaramaya Temple, the most visited temple in Colombo, organizes Sri Lanka's largest and most colorful Vesak festival annually. Established in 1885 by Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, the temple was built during a time when Buddhist and cultural resurgence was much needed, as the country was under colonial rule.
What was once a swamp beside Beira Lake has now become an iconic complex consisting of the temple, an assembly hall overlooking the lake, and a vocational training institute. Earlier, devotees had to cross the Beira Lake by boat to reach the small temple, which was later transformed into what it is today by Devundara Sri Jinaratana Nayake Thera, a pupil of Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera who appointed him as the chief incumbent of the temple.
Annual Perahera
One of the grandest festivals at the Gangaramaya Temple is the Navam Perahera, which began in 1979 and is held annually in February. It showcases Sri Lanka's rich religious and cultural traditions. The procession features hundreds of elephants adorned with elegant costumes, carrying the casket of sacred relics, accompanied by traditional drummers, flutists, dancers, and Buddhist monks clad in colorful robes.
The Gangaramaya Navam Perahera plays a significant role in preserving Buddhist culture and passing it on to future generations. The event attracts thousands of people not only from Sri Lanka but also from across the world.
Buddha Rashmi National Vesak Festival
Another grand festival held by the Gangaramaya Temple is the annual Vesak Festival, known as ‘Buddha Rashmi Pooja,’ which commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing-away of Lord Buddha. This is the largest and most popular Vesak festival in Sri Lanka. During the festival, the temple and surrounding area transform into a sparkling dreamland with thousands of beautifully crafted and illuminated Vesak lanterns, some of which float on Beira Lake, along with millions of lights on the trees and Seema Malaka, embellishing the Buddha Rashmi Pooja.
In addition, a number of religious observances and events are conducted parallel to the Vesak festival to enhance the knowledge of Buddhism among devotees.
Social Services
The Gangaramaya Temple, well-known for its unparalleled social service, is led by Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thera. The temple is committed to the social well-being of the masses. The temple’s social efforts are greatly supported by Podi Hamuduruwo, whose work in assisting the needy is commendable. Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera also plays a significant role in these charitable causes.
The temple’s vast social services include community development projects, vocational training centers, orphanages for street children, homes for the differently-abled and elderly, publication of Buddhist literature, support for rural temples, cultivation projects, and more.
Museum
The temple’s museum, initiated by Ven. Sri Jinarathana Nayaka Thera as a collection of artifacts of religious, cultural, and historical value, has been greatly developed by Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thera with the help of devotees and donors, particularly from the Asian region. The museum houses a range of treasures, including valuable Buddha statues from various traditions, ancient ola leaf writings, old coins, vehicles, and other relics, all on display as a classic representation of tradition and culture.
