Sripada Pilgrim season commences today

By Ajithlal Shanthaudaya and  Niroshan Perera   

Sripada Pilgrim season will commence with the dawn of Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day today.   

Chief Incumbent of Sri Padasthana, Sanghanayake of  Sabaragamuwa Province and Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University Ven.  Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thera said the casket of Sacred Relics, the statue  of deity Saman and regalia were taken in a motorcade from Galpottawala  Rajamaha Vihara in Pelmadulla yesterday after the all-night Pirith  chanting ceremony at the temple and followed by traditional rites at  Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devala. The motorcade proceeded along Ratnapura, Avissawella, and  Hatton to Nallathanniya. Another three processions arrived through  Ratnapura -Palagala, Kuruwita – Erathna, and Balangoda- Bogawantalawa  routes. The casket of relics, the statue and the regalia were taken in  procession on foot from Nallathanniya to Sri Padasthana.   

 The pilgrim season commenced after performing the  traditional rituals in the upper compound under the guidance of Chief  Incumbent of Sri Padasthana Ven Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thera.   
The routes of the four processions had been gaily decorated,  and the devotees of all faiths lined up the streets to pay homage  to the processions and to offer trays of offerings.   

Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Nandana Galaboda said free  water supply would be available from Nallathanniya to the Sri Padasthana  upper compound and that selling or carrying bottles of water is  prohibited.   

He said the police would implement a security plan during  the pilgrim season to provide protection to the pilgrims and to prevent  the use of liquor, tobacco or any other intoxicant on the pilgrim  route.    Secretary to Maskeliya Pradeshiya Sabha Sivaram Rajaveeran  said steps have been taken to supply an environmentally friendly bag to the  pilgrims to carry their requisites for pilgrimage and that garbage bins  would be placed at regular distances from Nallathanniya to the Sri  Padasthana.   

PS Secretary said all facilities for the pilgrims to prepare their meals would be available.