Sripada pilgrimage begins on December 14

By Ranjith Rajapakse and Shantha Chandrasiri

The Sripada pilgrimage season for 2024/25 will commence on Unduwap full moon poya day on December 14 after taking caskets of sacred relics, the image of the deity and the royal regalia from the Sripada Rajamaha Vihara in Galpottawala in procession to Sri Padasthanaya.

They will be carried in four possessions proceeding through Ratnapura, Awissawella, Hatton, Nallathanniiya route, through the Ratnapura-Palabathgala route, Kuruvita-Erathna route and the Balangoda- Bagawanthalawa route.

Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Nandana Galaboda said step have been taken with the help of state institutions and several private sector voulatuary organisations to provide adequate facilities to the pilgrims. He said all arrangements are being made under the guidance of the Chief Incumbent of Sripadasthanaya Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thera. 

The District Secretary said selling or having in possession plactic bottles of water or tobacco products while on the Sripada pilgrim route from Nallathanniya to the upper compound will be prohibitted. He said step have been taken to supply free drinking water to the pilgrims along the Hatton-Nallathanniya route and that they should not carry water in plastic bottles.

He further said the police have taken step to provide protection to the pilgrims and to prevent the use of liqour or any other intoxicants along the pilgrim route.