Known as kovils, Hindu temples are numerous in Colombo, with a particularly high concentration in Pettah. On Sea St, the goldsmiths’ street, Old Kathiresan Kovil and New Kathiresan Kovil are both dedicated to the war god Murugan (Skanda), and are the starting point for the annual Hindu Vel festival held in July/August, when the huge vel (trident) chariot is dragged to various kovils on Galle Rd in Bambalapitiya.
