Kataragama is a holy place for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. A large part of the small town consists of Holy grounds where the three religions have their building. The ten days lasting Esala Poya (Full Moon) festival takes place late July early August. There are evening parades with elephants, dancers and musicians. During the day devotees of all religions show their dedication to the faith. The Kataragama shrine dates back to centuries BC and is the end of a very old pilgrimage route starting in Jaffna and leading along the East coast. Here a man carries a burning coconut. The coconut represents fertility and blessing. In a special 'cage' coconuts are thrown on a stone to break and spill the milk. Also Priests cut the coconuts to spill the water over the hands of believers.