Kataragama Esala festival commences tomorrow

By M.K. Nandasena

Colombo, June 25 (Daily Mirror) - The annual Esala Festival of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala is set to begin tomorrow with its inaugural procession parading the streets of Kataragama. Basnayake Nilame Dishan Gunasekara confirmed that all preparations have been finalised to hold the festival on a grand scale.

The first procession will commence from the Maha Devala premises amid the chanting of Seth Pirith by the Mahasangha, led by the Chief Incumbent of Kirivehera Raja Maha Vihara, Ven. Kobawaka Dhamminda Thera, following the Buddha Pooja and other religious observances.

The procession will proceed to the Valli Amma Devala to perform traditional rites and rituals before returning to the Maha Devala. The cultural pageant will feature a vibrant display of upcountry, low country and Sabaragamuwa dance performances, alongside other traditional artistes.

The second night’s procession is scheduled for Friday (27).

Police reported that over 20,000 Pada Yatra pilgrims from the North and East have already arrived in Kataragama to take part in this year’s festivities.