The Kap Planting ceremony of the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya was held on May 6 at the auspicious time of 5.55 a.m. according to the traditional rituals performed by the bhikkhus led by the Viharadhipathi Somipala T. Rathnayake.
This annual Esala festival is celebrated to mark the historic divine wedding of God Skanda Kumara and Princess Valli Amma, he said. The ancient Kataragama Maha Devalaya is believed to have been built by King Dutugemunu as a token of gratitude to God Kataragama.
The annual Esala Maha perahera of Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya will be held for fifteen days from June 19 to July 3 on a grand scale. The final maha perahera will be held on Esala Full Moon Poya Day, July 3.
The Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya Dishan Gunasekara told the media that all arrangements and facilities will be made available with the patronage of the Local Government bodies for the convenience of devotees who flock to this sacred site from different parts of the country.