A pilgrimage on bullock cart fuelled by tradition

A group of carters have maintained a tradition of making the journey from Nainamadama to Talawila and experienced a sense of spiritual fulfilling in the process 

Typically, this group comprises thirty carts. However, for the year 2023, only 18 carts joined the pilgrimage

In an era when technology hadn’t yet advanced, and vehicles weren’t common, Catholic devotees relied on bullock carts for their pilgrimages to the Talawila St. Anne’s Church and Madhu Church; centres of worship for Catholics. After travelling for several days, they would make their way to the Talawila church premises, where they would perform their religious rituals. Upon finishing their practices there, they would visit Madhu church. Some elderly parents were even known to hand over their homes and estates to their children and grandchildren before going on such a pilgrimage.

In modern times, visiting the Talawila St. Anne’s Church and the Madhu Church has become significantly easier. Such journeys are even possible with the use of luxurious vehicles as of today.

However, in an effort to preserve this ancient tradition and pass it on to future generations, there remains a group of carters who continue to embark on the pilgrimage to Talawila and Madhu Church using bullock carts.
Recently, we encountered a group of carters led by Anthony Joseph, also known as Chandana, a 50-year-old resident of Nainamadama, at Talawila St. Anne’sChurch.
“Since 2006, our team of carts has been making the journey from Nainamadama to Talawila. We attend the Sunday mass at Talawila Church and then proceed to Madhu within two or three days. From there, we make our return to Nainamadama.”, he added.

They plan their journey ensuring that the bulls experience minimal fatigue throughout the pilgrimage.
Unforgettable incident
“We leave Nainamadama at four in the afternoon. We make a stop at nine o’clock at night, where we untie the bulls and provide them with food and water. We resume our journey at four in the morning, and by eight in the morning, we make another halt to untie the bulls and give them rest. We cover a maximum distance of 25kilometres per day. Additionally, a farrier accompanies us, and we shoe all the bulls once we reach Talawila,” he added.

The distance between Nainamadama and Talawila Church is approximately 110 kilometres. From Talawila, it takes about 180 kilometres to reach Madhu Church. These bulls partake in this pilgrimage only once a year,;spending the remaining time resting under the care of their owners.
Typically, this group comprises thirty carts. However, for the year 2023, only 18 carts joined the pilgrimage.
Among the participants were Anthony Fernando, Mahinda, Ashan, Lakmal, Priyamal, Dinuka, Akila, Nalin, and Dilan. Participants were between the ages 22 and 55. These individuals come from Nainamadama, Ulhitiyawa, Katana, and Sirigampala.

The bulls accompanying them bear various names, including Sudda, Kiriya, MahaNavaraya, PodiNavaraya, Kaluwa, Kabaraya, Lapaya among others.
During their journey, the group encountered an unforgettable experience. “This happened during a general election. We noted that motorcyclists were following us wherever we went. We approached them to inquire about their intentions. It turned out that the intelligence service had received information that we were planning to protest against the rising oil prices. We honestly explained ourselves because they had to waste their efforts and petrol. They accepted our explanation,” said a carter.
Chandana, the leader of the group, said that the pilgrimage costs around 100,000 rupees. People from areas like Ulhitiyawa and Katana assist them by providing rice, dried fish and money.