Fire-walking ceremony held in Kataragama

BY M.K.Nandasena and Sumanasiri Gunatilleka    

The fire-walking ceremony in Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala  Esala festival was performed in the early hours of last morning under  the supervision of Basnayake Nilame Dishan Gunasekara and the Kapuralas  of the Maha Devala. Thousands of devotees were present to watch the  grand spectacle.   

The fire-walking ceremony was officiated by the Chief  Kapurala of Kolonnawa Sathara Maha Devala Swami Dinesh Mohotti. He first  performed rites and rituals and attended prayers at the Maha Devala and  blessed the devotees preparing for fire walking.   

Swami Dinesh Mohotti first performed fire-walking followed  by more than 500 devotees. It was of significance that none of them were injured.   

However, a team of medical officers from Kataragama  Hospital were present to provide emergency treatment in case of any  casualties.