Kataragama Maha Devala festival

By Sumanasiri Gunatilleka and M.K.Nandasena

The annual Esala Perehera festival of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala is scheduled to commence on July 06. The Kap Planting ceremony had been performed on May 24.  

Basnayaka Nilame Dishan Gunasekara said the Esala festival commencing on July 06 would end on July 21 after the main Randoli procession followed by the water cutting ceremony at Jeewamali Ferry in Menikganga on July 22.   

The fire walking ceremony will be held on July 19 night. Meanwhile the main gate of the Kumana wildlife sanctuary was opened yesterday for Pada Yatra pilgrims journeying on foot through Kumana and Yala wildlife sanctuaries to attend the Esala festival.  

Monaragala District Secretary and Officer in Charge of Camping Pasan Ratnayake said steps were being taken to provide facilities and protection to the pilgrims.  

According to tradition the Esala festival of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala is held annually under a royal proclamation of King Dutugemunu.