Large crowds throng Sri Pada on the first day of pilgrimage

By Ranjith Rajapakse, Gamini Ilangatilleka and Shantha Chandrasiri
The Sri Pada pilgrim season 2023/2024 commenced on Unduwap full moon Poya day yesterday with the participation of thousands of devotees.   
Chief Sanghanayake of the Sabaragamuwa Province, Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University and Chief Incumbent of Sri Padasthana and Pelmadulu Rajamaha Vihara Ven. Bengamuwe Sri Dhammadinna Thera said caskets of sacred relics, the statues of deity Saman, and regalia taken in procession from Galpotthawala Sri Pada Rajamaha Vihara were placed in the Sri Padasthana shrine room in the early hours of last morning after sprinkling the sacred foot print with incense water and performing other rituals.   
Tens of thousands of devotees had lined up the streets to pay homage to the processions resulting in a delay in the arrival of the main procession through the Hatton-Nallathanniya route till early hours of last morning.   

Meanwhile Ratnapura District Secretary Wasantha Gunaratne has issued a gazette notification extra ordinary setting out a series of regulations applicable to the pilgrims.   
In terms of the gazette notification, the pilgrims are required to use only the pilgrim rests and Ambalamas at Lihinihela, Palabathgala temple, Heramitipana, Andiyamalathenna, Warnagala, Seethagangula, Medahinna, Indikatupana and are prohibited to run temporary rests.   
Begging is prohibited in the Sri Padastana or near the Ambalamas or pilgrims’ rests. Pilgims are requested to refrain from haphazard disposal of garbage including plastic and polythene. They are warned to use only the locations identified by the Wildlife Conservation Department and the local authorities as safe for bathing and washing. Private bathing places would require the approval of the Wildlife Conservation Department and the Local Authorities.   
Consuming, processing or selling liqour or any intoxicant, and tobbaco in the Sri Pada route is strictly prohibited.