• The festival is schedule to commence on July 29 and end on August 12

By Sumanasiri Gunatileka   

A group of devotees from the North yesterday set off on their Pada Yatra journey through the jungle from Thondamanaru Sri Selva Sannadi Murugan Kovil to attend the Kataragama Esala festival on July 29.   

The army had taken steps to provide food and other facilities to the pilgrims on Pada Yatra.   

After they enter Yala National Park, Lahugala and Kataragama Divisional Secretariat will look into their facilities.   
Thousands of pilgrims from the North and East are expected to make their long trek through the jungle to attend the festival.   Kataragama Esala festival is schedule to commence on July 29 and end on August 12 after the water cutting ceremony.