29 July 2022 05:27 am Views - 189
By K.D.Devapriya and Ajithlal Shanthaudaya
The ancient ritual of carrying paddy and rice on the caravan of pack bulls from the fields in Pelwatta offered to the Gods to the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala to commence the Esala festival took place last morning.
History has recorded that King Dutugemunu (161 to 137 BC) had offered to the Maha Devala 90,000 acres of land and paddy field to fulfil a wow seeking the help of God for the victory in the war against King Elara.
Chief Kapu Rala of the Maha Devala Somipala Ratnayake said despite the availability of modern transport facilities, the ancient ritual of carrying paddy on pack bulls has been performed according to the tradition since the reign of King Dutugemunu. The consignment of paddy was handed over to the Maha Devala treasury.
Meanwhile, more than 5,000 “Padayatra” pilgrims from the North and East journeying on foot through Kumana and Yala national parks had arrived at Kataragama. However, another 9,000 pilgrims who entered Yala and Kumana national parks are facing hardship due to the unprecedented heavy rain experienced at present in the Uva and the Southern provinces. The army has provided them shelter with tents.
The festival that commenced today (29) would last till August 11.