The most lavish Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka does not feel like a religious spectacle these days, it’s more like a national celebration, say many Christians.

Millions of people recently descended on Kandy, a UN Cultural Heritage city in the hills of central Sri Lanka to attend the Esala Perahera (festival of the tooth) during which a Buddha tooth relic is taken around the city in a procession containing brightly costumed elephants.

The two-week festival, which ended on Aug. 28, also includes cultural events including music, dancing, fire breathing and jugglers.

“The centuries old annual festival unites Christians, Buddhists and Hindus, culturally and historically,” said Father Christopher Theogupillai, assistant parish priest of the St. Anthony’s Cathedral in Kandy. Many Christians and Hindus also took part in musical, or dance oriented events.

The church was not full as it is usually; practically no children or youths were seen here during the festival, said the priest.

“It’s the only negative impact of the festival,” Father Theogupillai said.

The procession has no religious significance to Christians. It’s an event where different religions can mix and celebrate a common national identity, he said.

Unlike other carnivals, the procession is not a harvest festival, but a ceremony to commemorate the victories of ancient kings over their enemies.

“When you are sitting together for hours watching the performances and processions you get to know complete strangers and many long-lasting friendships are born this way,” said Gamini Gunawardane, a middle-aged Buddhist devotee.

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