Pada Yatra journey on foot to Kataragama

The Pada Yatra pilgrims who are to commence their journey from Okanda Devala would take about 20 days to reach Kataragama

 By Sumanasiri Gunatilaka   

The Kumana entrance to the wildlife sanctuary will open on July 1 for the “Pada Yatra” pilgrims from the North and East journeying to Kataragama on foot to attend the Esala festival of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala which is scheduled to commence on July 6.   

 According to tradition, the Pada Yatra pilgrims make a journey on foot through the jungle road through Kumana taken by Skanda Kumara or Kartikeya, revered as God Kataragama who landed on Okanda beach to visit Vallli Amma.   

 The Pada Yatra pilgrims who are to commence their journey from Okanda Devala would take about 20 days to reach Kataragama .