Katina in Jaffna

Residents of Jaffna enjoyed a rare event last week as a colourful procession with elephants together with Sinhalese and Tamil cultural dancers paraded the streets. It was organised in connection of the annual Katina Pooja of Jaffna Sri Naga Vihara by the Security Forces Headquarters – Jaffna (SF-J).

The spectacular procession, included Jaffna schoolchildren, dancers from local institutions and tri service members serving in Jaffna who performed dancing and cultural events and walked along the main streets of the city.People, especially children in their thousands flocked at the Naga Vihara junction and on either side of the roads to witness this glamorous procession.

On guidance of the Chief Incumbent of Sri Saga Naaga Vihara Ven. Meegahajandure Gnanarathana Thera and Commander SF-J Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, 51 Division at Kopay made all arrangements to have a series of religious events that started with a Bodhi Pooja at the temple on Wednesday evening.

It was followed by an all-night Pirith chanting invoking blessing on the country and its people. The following morning, Katina Cheevara (robe) was brought to the Naga Vihara from Jaffna Civil Affairs Office by procession, and an alms-giving to 35 Bhikkus followed.

“In 2009, they had this ceremony in a very low key but this was the first time it was held in a grand scale. We hope this is an event which exchange the cultural similarities of the two communities and it will help them have a better understanding of each other”, Maj. Gen. Hathurusinghe.

He said the security was as normal as in Colombo and the people were enjoying peace and development.

Two day religious program concluded on November 10 evening with a special Bodhi Pooja. Priests from Hindu, Catholic and Islam religions, Jaffna Government Agent Emelda Sukumar, Mayoress Jaffna Y. Pathgunarasa, senior service officers, senior Jaffna citizens and members of Jaffna Tamil Buddhist Association were also present to see the procession and to attend the Pirith Chanting.

- SS