By K. D. Devapriya and Sumanasiri Gunathilaka   

The Esala festival of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devale commenced Monday night on a grand scale with the first night procession parading the streets.  

  It coincided with the hoisting of the flag in the mosque in the sacred city.   

The Mahasangha including Chief Incumbent of the Kirivehera Temple Ven. Kobawaka Dhamminda Thera, and Chief Incumbent of Abhinawarama Temple Ven. Kapugama Saranatissa Thera, religious dignitaries including Moulavi Mubhaq, and Hindu Priest Ven. Thagavelu, Monaragala District Secretary R.M.G. Ratnayaka, Basnayaka Nilame Dishan Gunasekara and senior police and security officials were present at the occasion.   

 The procession left the Devale ground after the statue of the God was placed on the Kotte Rajamaha Vihara tusker Kandula and paraded the streets, returning to the Maha Devale after performing traditional rituals at the Valli Amma Devale.   

The night processions would continue till July 3, followed by the water cutting ceremony that marks the end of the festival.