• The festival would be held without public participation on the instructions of the Director General of Health Services

By K.D. Devapriya   

Esala Festival in the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala this year is scheduled to commence on July 10 and end on July 23 followed by the water cutting ceremony on July 24. 

Basnayake Nilame Dishan Gunasekara told a meeting at the Kirivehera Vihara that the festival would be held without public participation on the instructions of the Director General of Health Services to prevent any possible danger of the pandemic but steps would be taken to telecast the procession on all television channels.  
Kataragama division MOH Dr. Mrs. Deva Narayana said the pandemic has been spreading fast and that a heavy influx of devotees would create a health hazard affecting the Devala office bearers and employees. She pointed out that the Esala festival last year was held without public participation due to the pandemic and the participation of large crowds would result in the spread of the disease.   Only five dancing troupes would perform in the procession and they would be subject to PCR tests and quarantined before joining the procession.   
A counter is to be set up in the pilgrims’ rest to receive paddy and rice offered by devotees to 
the Devala.