Sripada pilgrimage season begins

By Ranjith Rajapaksa

Colombo, Dec. 4 (Daily Mirror) - The Sripada pilgrimage season for 2025/26 commenced today on Unduwap full moon poya day after taking the caskets of sacred relics, the image of the deity and the royal regalia from the Sripada Rajamaha Vihara in Galpottawala in procession to Sri Padasthanaya.

They were carried this morning in four processions proceeding through the Ratnapura, Awissawella, Hatton, Nallathanniya routes, through the Ratnapura-Palabathgala route, Kuruvita-Erathna route and the Balangoda- Bagawanthalawa route.

Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Nandana Galaboda said steps have been taken with the help of state institutions and several private sector voluntary organisations to provide adequate facilities to the pilgrims. He said all arrangements are being made under the guidance of the Chief Incumbent of Sripadasthanaya Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thera. 

Police said selling or having in possession plactic bottles of water, liqour or any other intoxicants while on the Sripada pilgrim route from Nallathanniya to the upper compound, will be prohibitted. 

A special security mechanism is in place for the pilgrims who arrive along the Hatton-Nallathanniya route.