'Ther' festival, Marie-Amman temple, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Female devotees carrying the 'Paal kudam' - Pot of milk.

A 'Thookku kaavady'.

The 'Ther' - wooden chariot.

'Ther' festival, Muththumari Amman Temple, Kudagama road, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

The decorated wooden chariot - the 'Ther' - carrying an image of the Diety.

 The 'Ther' was a chariot made of wood, used by the legendary Deities and Kings of long ago. Its construction techniques goes back thousands of years and is still built by artisans specializing in the field.

'Thavil' - drum and the 'Nathaswaram' - The flute.

It needs years of apprentiship and practice to play the above instruments. Learning the 'Thaalas' and 'Raagas' of South Indian music takes a lifetime of learning.

The 'Ther' festival, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

The 'Ther' is the tamil word for chariot. In ancient times Kings and grandees would be transported by 'Ther'. The animals used to drag these vehicles were horses or bulls. The 'Ther' was a large structure made of wood with massive wooden wheels. The superstructure was lavishly and artistically decorated. The 'Ther' was also used in war by commanders. Images of Gods of the Hindu pantheon are even now transported on festive occassions, on the 'Ther' which is owned by rich temples. I took these pictures of a 'Ther' procession, at Avissawella on 6/8/2009.

Waiting to join a 'Ther' festival at the 'Paththini' temple, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

A 'Ther' festival in any Hindu temple draws a crowd of well dressed devotees. I took this picture of devotees waiting, for the procession to start from the 'Paththini' temple at Avissawella. You can see in the picture a devotee carrying a 'nirai kudam' ('pun kalasa'-S).