Sunday Times 2
Seenigama Esala festival
View(s):The Esala festival of the historic Sri Devol Maha Devalaya commenced on July 31 with the tradition ‘kap situweema’ ceremony . The Sri Devol Maha Perahera will take place on September 1 and 2 in the afternoon. On the first day the perahera will wend its way to the ancient Thelwatte temple and on the second day upto Hikkaduwa.
On September 3 and 4, there will be a night perahera with dancers and drummers performing the traditional dances.
The fire-walking ceremony will take place on September 5 at midnight and the ‘kiri danaya’ to God Devol will be offered on September 6, early in the morning with the festival ending.
A 24 hour bus service is being arranged to facilitate pilgrims’ travel and all express trains bound for Matara will stop at the Seenigama station on these days.