Thousands gather at religious sites to welcome New Year 2025

BY B.G.Chaturanga and M. N. Piyaratne   

Tens of thousands of devotees flocked to the places of religious worship at the dawn of New Year 2025 last morning.   
 A heavy crowd was experienced at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri  Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweliseya Cheithiya, Kataragama /Kirivehera, Ruhunu  Kataragama Maha Devala and Kandy Dalada Maligawa.   
 Boiling of milk to bless the country and the people with  prosperity took place at Ruwanweliseya Cheithiya. It had been organised  by Anuradhapura Atamastanadipathi Ven. Pallegama Hemarthana and Chief  Incumbent of Ruwanweliseya Temple Ven. Eethalawetunawewe Gnanatikaka  Thera.   
 People from far and wide attended religious observance at  Kataragama Kirivehera and the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala as well.  Thousands of devotees who attended religious observance at Kirivehera  Cheithiya, lined up before Ruhuna Kataragama Maha Devala to attend  Poojas.   
 Prayers were held at the Mosque in Kataragama sacred area with the participation of large crowds.   
 Similar crowds of devotees attending religious observance were experienced at Hindu Kovils and the Churches as well.