Devotees flock in large numbers:

Kataragama festival on grand scale

by L.S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

The Kataragama Esala Perahera is a cultural pageant where devotees from all parts of the country flock in large numbers to pay homage to the much revered God Skanda popularly known as Kataragama Deviyo . It is a symbol of a proud history.

Thousands of devotees have already arrived at the Kataragama shrine. Uva Chief Minister and Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya Basnayaka Nilame Shaseendra Rajapaksa had made arrangements to hold the festival on a grand scale.

The annual Pirith Pinkama , an important feature of the activities is being held at a special Pirith Mandapaya close to the Kataragama Maha Devalaya.

The sacred casket was brought to the special Pirith Mandapaya by Basnayaka Nilame Rajapaksa from Kirivehera temple.

The Sethpirith chanting was conducted by Mahasanga headed by Kirivehera Chief Incumbent Uva Wellassa University Chancellor Dr. Aluthwewa Soratha Mahathera. The perahera commenced with traditional rituals last Thursday night after the Seth Pirith chanting.

The dancing troupes representing Udarata, Pahatarata and Sabaragamuwa the main local three traditional dancing groups - display their talents at the Kataragama maha perahera. Over 50 traditional dancing groups will perform at the final day of the perahera, Basnayaka Nilame Rajapaksa said. Thousands of Hindu devotees make their way to Kataragama from the North and the Eastern provinces through the Yala Sanctuary which is called Pada Yatra . This year over 30,000 devotees will traverse throng the thick jungle to Kataragama.

The Army and several Non-governmental Organisations attend to the needs of devotees. A herbal drinks and rice dansala at the Sri Buddhajayanthi Temple at Bodirajapura which was organised by Ruhunu Magampattuwa Chief Adikarana Sanganayaka and Chief Incumbent of Sri Buddhajayanthi Temple Ven. Kapugama Saranatissa Thera was opened last Thursday for the Hindu devotees by the Basnayaka Nilame. A flag was hoisted at the Muslim Masjeed in Kataragama to symbolise unity among communities in Kataragama.

The Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya perahera will be held daily till August 1. An alms-giving to Maha Sanga will be held at Chief Basnayaka Nilame’s residence on that day.

“Fire walking” is another attraction of the festival. The devotees walk on the fire from one end to the other. It will be held on July 29 infront of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya.

The final perahera which will be held on August 1 will be viewed by thousands of devotees. The water cutting ceremony Diya Kapuma the last in the series of events will be held on August 2.