Bellanwila Esala Festival: Aug. 4 to 25

By H.M.Dharmapala 

The Bellanwila Esala Festival would be from August 04 to August 25, The Chief Incumbent of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Vihara and Chief Adhikarana Sanghanayake of Singapore, Ven. Dr Bellanwila Dhammarathana Thera said addressing a meeting to make arrangements for the festival.

This is the 69th time that the Bellanwila Festival is held.

Ven. Thera said he was pleased to find that a large gathering, including the security force personnel was present at the meeting, despite the prevailing security situation. 

“The festival will be held in a grand way as usual but with special security arrangements to provide protection to the large crowds attending the festival,” he said.

“The Esala festival should be held, as usual, to defeat the challenge facing the country. The festival will commence with the opening of the Bellanwila Wimalarathana Commemoration Hall and the annual almsgiving. 

“Preaching of commemoration sermons will be held on August 08, 09, and 10. The week-long Pirith chanting will be held from August 11 to 17 followed by Kumbal Perehera. 
“Mal Perehera within the temple premises will take place from August 28 to 21 followed by Peraheras parading the streets on August 22and 23. The final Randoli Perehera would be held in a grand way on August 24 followed by the Water Cutting ceremony in Boralesgamuwa ferry, ” Ven. Dhammarathana Thera said. 

He said that the Bellanwila Esala Festival would be a blessing to the country that would dispel all evils at this crucial juncture.DIG Western Province South Wasantha Wickremesinghe, and Lt. Col. G.Lokunarangoda briefed on the security arrangements. 

Members of the Mahasangha including Viharadhikari Ven. Boralesgamuwe Premarathane, and Ven. Udugampola Hemarathane, former Minister Gamini Lokuge, former Provincial Minister Gamini Tilakasiri, Divisional Secretary K.P. Premadasa and several senior Police and military officers attended the meeting.