13 striking pictures of Sri Lanka's Navam Perahera Festival

Monks, drummers, fire stuntmen, dancers and elephants come together for the street pageant

Monks, drummers, fire stuntmen, dancers and some 50 trained elephants, mostly from central part of the island, thronged into Colombo from various regions of Sri Lanka to participate in the city's biggest two day annual Buddhist procession known as Navam Perahera 'street pageant' starting from February 9 and 10, which was first held in 1979.

Here we look at 14 visuals showcasing the vibrant and dynamic event.

Sri Lankan traditional dancers perform in a procession in front of the Gangarama Temple during the Navam Perahera festival in Colombo. PHOTO: AFP

Sri Lankan traditional dancers perform during the annual Nawam Perahera (street pageant) in Colombo. PHOTO: REUTERS

An elephant carries an altar containing Buddhist relics in front of the Gangarama Temple during the Navam Perahera festival in Colombo. PHOTO: AFP

Sri Lankan traditional dancers perform during the annual Nawam Perahera (street pageant) in Colombo. PHOTO: REUTERS

Sri Lankan Buddhist monks take part in a procession in front of the Gangarama Temple. PHOTO: AFP

Fire dancers perform in a procession. PHOTO: AFP

Buddhist monks take part in a procession in front of the Gangarama Temple. PHOTO: AFP

Sri Lankan traditional dancers and musicians perform in a procession in front of the Gangarama Temple. PHOTO: AFP

Sri Lankan traditional dancers prepare for the annual Nawam Perahera (street pageant) in Colombo. PHOTO: REUTERS

Traditional dancers and musicians perform in a procession in front of the Gangarama Temple. PHOTO: AFP

An elephant sprays itself with water ahead of a religious procession in Colombo. PHOTO: AFP

Monks take part in a procession in front of the Gangarama Temple during the Navam Perahera festival. PHOTO: AFP

Traditional dancers perform during the annual Nawam Perahera (street pageant) in Colombo. PHOTO: REUTERS