Coconut trees struck by lightening, Honiton Place, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Three coconut trees lying close by were struck by lightening, a few months back.

This tree is sprouting young leaves again.

Coconut trees are frequently struck by lightening during thunder storms. They invariably die off. The timber from them is said to be cursed and is not used in house building in present Sri Lanka. I saw this particular tree spouting leaves again.

Antique handbag made entirely of silver.

'Katina Pinkama Perahera' continued, Honiton Place, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Decorated bicycle in the parade.

Female dancers

'Katina Pinkama Perahera' (ctd), Honitan Place, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

'Katina Pinkama' Perahera, Honiton Place, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

During the three  months of 'Vaes Kaley' - rainy season, the Theravada Buddhist monks remain in their residences. During this period the laymen supply them with all necessities. At the end of the three months, the laymen organize a Perahera to signify the end of the 'Katina' period. The word 'Katina' means difficult. A Tamil equivalent is 'Kadhinam'. I took the above photos of a 'Katina Perahera' dong the rounds of our village in Avissawella, at 4am