Kataragama is a place frequented by adherents of all religions in Sri Lanka. The focus of attention is on Deity of Skanda whose shrine is the focal point in this city now declared a sacred city by the Department of Town & Country Planning. Within the sacred city limits are found shrines devoted to those of other religions such as the Hindus and Muslims. While the Buddhists and Hindus join to venerate Skanda in the Kataragama Devale, Muslims have a separate mosque attracting devotees. It has become a perennial pilgrim centre in the country which has a resident population in the new town of Kataragama.
Situated 24kms north of Tissamaharama in the Divisional Secretary’s division of Moneragala, the Menik Ganga which runs through Kataragama serves as the boundary separating the sacred city from the new town.

It is believed that King Dutugemunu, the national hero who fought the war against the invaders, was the first patron of Kataragama. He had made a vow to construct a shrine in honour of Skanda if he returns victorious. The first beginning of the shrine is dated back to the 2nd century BC. Associated closely with the shrine is the Kiri Vehera is in close proximity which is the main stupa of Kataragama. Masonry marks found in the bricks used in the construction and letters inscribed therein indicate that the Kiri Vehera had been constructed in the first century BC.

The main shrine is devoted to Skanda popularly described in eulogies as a God having six faces and twelve arms and whose assistance is sought for worldly gain and protection by Buddhists and Hindus. The annual procession held in the months of July-August is the main pageant and is as colourful as any other pageant in the country.

It has, as the concluding event, the performance of fire walking by the devotees. Kavadi dancing is another attraction in the pageant. There are devotees who perform this dance to fulfil vows even on other occasions.