Sri Pada Pilgrim season begins on 7th

By Gamini Bandara Ilangatilleka and Ajithlal Shanthaudaya   

Sri Pada Pilgrim season 2022/2023 will commence on Unduwap full moon Poya day on Wednesday (07) and last till Wesak full moon Poya in May 2023.   

The motorcade carrying the casket of sacred relics, the statue of the God and regalia will leave Galpottawala Sri Pada Rajamaha Vihara in Pelmadulla on Tuesday (06) and arrive to Nallathanniya in the evening and be taken in procession from Nallathanniya in the early hours of Unduwap full moon Poya day (07).   

Another three processions will arrive through Erathna, Palabathgala and Bagawanthalawa routes and join the Hatton route.   

All traditional customs and rituals connected with the Sri Pada pilgrim season will be performed under the guidance of Sri Padasthanadhipathi , Sabaragamuwa Chief Sanghanayaka, and Chancellor of the Uva Wellassa University Ven. Bengamuwe Sri Dhammadinna Thera.   

District Secretaries in Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura have taken steps to provide facilities and protection to pilgrims with the help of the police, the security forces and government institutions.