Sri Pada Pilgrim season starts tomorrow

BY RANJITH RAJAPAKSHE AND GAMINI ILLANGATILLEKA

The Sri Pada pilgrim season 2023/2024 will commence tomorrow, on Unduwap full moon Poya day.

Chief Incumbent of Sripadasthana Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thera said the caskets of sacred relics and the statues of the God and regalia would be taken in three processions from Galpottawala Sri Pada Rajamaha Vihara in Pelmadulla in the early hours of tomorrow. The processions are scheduled to proceed through Ratnapura, Palabathgala and Erathna route, Ratnapura, Awissawella and Hatton route, and Balangoda, Bogawanthalwa route.

The three processions are scheduled to reach Sri Pada upper compound the following day (26) and the pilgrim season would commence after performing the traditional rituals.

Meanwhile, Hatton – Dikoya Urban Council and the residents of the area have decorated the route taken by the procession with pandals and banners.

SP Hatton Division Nipuna Dehigama said police posts would be in operation at Gangulathenna Ratu Ambalama, and Seethagangula in addition to Nallathanniya and Hatton police to provide protection to the pilgrims and to arrest pilgrims in possession of liquor and other intoxicants, if any, at the Hatton Railway Station an on the Sri Pada route from Nallathanniya.

Sri Padasthanadipathi Ven. Dhammadinna Thera requested the pilgrims to refrain from any act violating the sanctity of Sri Padasthana and causing damage to the highly sensitive environmental zone.