Kandy Esala festival begins with traditional Kap Planting ceremony

By Shane Seneviratne and L.B.Senaratne   

The Kap Planting ritual of the Kandy Esala festival was performed in the early hours of last morning.   

It took place at Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Patthini Devalas at the auspicious hour of 4.20 am followed by the first inner processions of the four Devalas.