Pilgrims' Progress:

A popular song rings true, about pilgrim values

The writer explores a few bizarre pilgrim behaviours of our time, related to religions that span the gamut...

by Samangie Wettimuny

The popular song by Rajiv and Sunil, Api Wandanawe Yamu which exerts all pilgrims to behave, seems to address all Shehans and Ajanthas in society who either intentionally or unintentionally belittle the religious instincts of worship.

* Read on: "There are thousands of devotees going on pilgrimages, out of genuine faith. We shouldn't let a handful of 'fools' to ruin such sacred occasions..", a devout Buddhist Mr. Samaratunga said, recollecting an unpleasant incident that spoiled his pilgrimage one year, to Sripada."

The whole group which comprised more than hundred pilgrims was in disarray, because five or six drunkards misbehaved. 'They should know that pilgrimage is a pilgrimage. It's not a trip," he fumes. For the genuine devotee - a pilgrimage means so much. It's one of the major ways of expressing their faith towards their religion and the gods they worship.

An ideal pilgrim

Wandana gaman? Are there any such things? Aren't these another kind of trip", says 25 year old Shehan, a Marketing manager. Ajantha is no better; he fails to avoid his 'favourite sip' even while attending the Kataragama festival. Though society would believe that a well behaved person modestly dressed, would make an ideal pilgrim, not all the pilgrims live up to the 'expected standard'.

A regular devotee at the Kandy Dalada Maligawa, University student Sumali, is displeased with the way certain people dress." It is not a pleasant task to impose rules on people's dress-code. But, decent attire would suit the purpose."

"Though there are rules, still, a considerable number of people visit the Maligawa in unsuitable attire. Some express displeasure at the officers at the check points for not allowing them to enter the premises in the skimpiest of skimpies. They should know that gauging the length of their sleeves, skirts or shorts give these officers no pleasure. They are just performing their duty."

Some are of the view that a decent dress-code means wearing 'white'. Shops (that sell ready-made garments) display a wide range of white clothes during the Vesak season. " But do you think these dresses are suitable for religious occasions queries radio journalist Dulmini.

Most of these garments are unsuitable for devotional tasks, though they are in light colours." Business Studies teacher Lakshmi is reluctant to visit religious places during the season. "Can we overlook the havoc caused to the environment by polythene?" she asks.

Whether it is a place of worship or otherwise, people have got used to littering the places with throw-away polythene. "Recently, I went to the Kelaniya temple. Pilgrims have left empty plastic bottles all around the temple. After lighting the lamps they just throw them away.

Only a few think of moving a few inches and putting them into a waste paper basket." As a teacher of a girls' college Mrs. Wijesuriya finds it difficult, sometimes, to go on educational tours with her pupils. "There are the riff raff who roam around these places poking fun at young girls.

They'd either remove their caps or block their paths. There are better ones who apologise when the teachers interfere. But some rascals do not take any notice of our presence." Though Kataragama is a Hindu shrine, not only Hindus, but also Buddhists, Muslims, and even some Christians participate in the annual Kataragama festival.

As Mr. Wijesuriya observes, certain addicts fail to abstain from taking liquor, and they cause severe trouble to the true devotees. "I'm happy that in Sithul Pavuwa when even one is drunk, the whole nadaya is thrown out of the premises," he says.

Meaningless

In certain buses, a few would wait till the pilgrims leave the bus, and then pull out their bottles, " he says.

But ironically, for certain cynics, going to Kataragama means nothing but enjoying a meal with dadamas. Buddhism and Hinduism being non- violent religions requires a true devotee to abstain from consuming meat (at least when they are on a pilgrimage!).

Most bus drivers are aware of the illicit places where their favourite dishes are served. Normally, it is at these locations that they stop the buses to take their meals.' Pilgrims to Anuradhapura largely take their meals on the banks of the Nuwara wewa. "Some years ago, there was a fine catering service on the banks of the Nuwara Wewa.

Fish, fresh from the catch was fried and served during the lunch hour, and this had a big demand. For a moment I wondered, whether their real intention in going to Anuradhapara, is worshipping, or gobbling up fried fish.", said radio journalist Dulmini, sarcastically.

Importance of religious places

Though the majority attend meditation centres to heal their worried minds, for a few, it has become a fashion. "What is not a fashion in the present society ?" questions MRS. Indrani Perera who is a regular devotee of one of the well-known meditation centres. "There are two or three who would come there and commence their favourite habit: gossiping.

They should know the value of these places or at least should have a feeling for the others". As a devoted Christian, Jude Nonis observes, there are some Christians too who have made it a fashion to attend the church feast on Sundays. Not only that," he adds, "a few years ago we got the chance of going to Madhu Church and it was one of my dreams coming true. But a few were more concerned about how to find a 'Kasippu spot'."

Despite all this human distraction, true devotees remain faithful to their respective religions. Ven. Yatinuwara Sumana Thera of Kandy Poth Gul Vihara is quite satisfied with the behaviour of devotees who stay overnight in their temple.

"Normally, it is the Kandy Bauuda Mandira which provides accommodation facilities to the pilgrims. But when the groups are large, some would come and stay in our temple. I'm pleased to say that so far, none have caused any problem. They have never littered the place or behaved indecently" As 69 year old Mrs. Siriwardana observes, the parents and elders have a great responsibility in this matter.

"The child should be properly guided. We should make them understand the importance of the religious places." and it seems that she is not wrong in her attitude, as her grandson, Lahiru 'knows' instinctively, that going on a pilgrimage is something serious.

"Whenever we go either to Kataragama or to Anuradhapura, my grandmother keeps on telling me "remove your shoes, don't talk so loud, don't litter the place." So I try to be 'serious' says the ten year old. Better behaviour by stricture, is better than bad behaviour, as the pilgrims progress.