Kataragama is a pilgrimage town in Sri Lanka associated with the deity Skanda, also known as Murugan. It is located in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka. The town is situated near the Hacks River in the south-east of the country, about 250 kilometers south-east of Colombo. Kataragama is a popular destination for Hindu devotees from Sri Lanka and South India. It is also a popular tourist destination due to its spectacular natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Kataragama’s main temple complex is dedicated to Skanda, the Hindu God of War.
The complex consists of several shrines, including a shrine dedicated to the goddess Valli and Skanda's chariot. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every year during the annual festival, which is celebrated during the months of July and August. This is considered one of the most important festivals in Sri Lanka and is visited by thousands of devotees from all over the world. During the festival, devotees offer prayers, flowers, and other offerings to the deity. The festival is also accompanied by traditional music and dance performances from the local community.