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.