Munneswaram Esala festival begins

by S.M. Wijayaratne, Kurunegala Cor.

The annual nikini maha mangallaya of the historic Munneswaram Maha Devalaya in Chilaw began with the kap planting ceremony on July 24.

Devotees from all parts of the country attend this annual ceremony. Many devotees from India too will participate. The Wayamba Provincial Council will provide all facilities to the devotees, at a cost of Rs. 125 million. A contingent of 500 security forces will also be deployed during the one-month long festive season said.

Local Government and Provincial Councils Deputy Minister Indika Bandaranayake at a meeting held at the Panduwasnuwara Raja Mahaviharaya recently. The festivities will end after the water-cutting ceremony on August 20 at the Deduru Oya.