4 July, 2021
The Esala festival of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya will commence on July 10 and continue till July 23 giving priority to traditional rituals.
Basnayake Nilame Dishan Gunasekara said after a series of Esala religious activities, the main perahera of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya will parade the streets on July 23 night. All rituals of the perahera will be conducted without devotees. However, elephants, dancing groups and other cultural items will be included in the perahera.
The events will be conducted under strict health guidelines. The festival will end with the water cutting ceremony on July 24.