Tusker leads ‘Athupandalama’ ritual at Kataragama

The ritual known as ‘Athupandalama’ took place at the Kataragama Devalaya in view of the Esala Perahera. The ceremony marks the thatching of the hut in front of the main temple and its branches are called ‘Athupandalama’. The ritual takes place every year. The main tusker of the temple performs the ritual in the presence of the Basnayaka Nilame.  Pic by Nisal Baduge