Kataragama Devalaya is the holy place located on the bank of the Menik Ganga. Kataragama is located in the Uva Province and comes under Moneragala district. The followers of all religions in Sri Lanka visit Kataragama and pay their respects. It is considered a multi religious place. There is a temple known as Kiri Vehera, a church, a Hindu kovil and a mosque in the vicinity which affirm its multi religious nature.
Among them, a very special place goes to Kataragama Devalaya which has a long history. According to ancient chronicles, the Kataragama Devalaya was constructed during King Dutugemunu’s reign. The Kataragama Esala Maha Perahera is one of the main events of the Kataragama calendar. This ritualistic perahera is held on Esala Full Moon Poya Day. Even today, the indigenous veddhas attend this perahera.
Kataragama is crowded during the festival season. A large number of pilgrims visit this sacred place daily as well. Most Sri Lankans annually allocate a couple of days in their calendar to pay homage to God Kataragama.
Nethuli Subasinghe,
Grade 10 E,
Vidura College,
Colombo.