Pictures of the Day: Friday, Aug. 14, 2009

Devotees smash coconuts as offerings to the gods during the annual festival of the chariots in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
M.A. PUSHPA KUMARA / EPA

Ritual

Devotees smash coconuts as offerings to the gods during the annual festival of the chariots in Colombo, Sri Lanka. During the festival, colorfully decorated chariots carry five images each of Hindu gods through the streets, stopping briefly to accept offerings along the way.