Final Kataragama Esala Maha Perahera ends successfully

The final Esala Maha Perahera came to an end on Friday, 23 with the Basnayake Nilame handing over traditional offerings as a gratitude for Maha Sanga in Kirivehera temple for chanting Pirith each day prior to starting Perahera.

Chief incumbent of the Kiriwehera Raja Maha Viharaya Ven.Kobawaka Dhamminda said it was King Dutugamunu who started the Kataragama Esala Perahera and he (the King) himself had walked in the Perahera, whose role is represented now by the Basnayake Nilame.

The prelate further said that parallel to Kataragama Esala festival, Kirivehera conducts an all-week chanting which is supported by Buddhist monks in the area, Maha Dewalaya and government officials and that the assistance given by incumbent of Sri Abinavaramaya, Ven. Kapugama Saranatissa was invaluable.

Speaking at the occasion Basnayake Nilami Dhisan Gunasekara said that his experience as the Basnayake Nilame of Devinuwara Vishnu Dewalaya helped him immensely to conduct this Esala festival successfully.

The Basnayake Nilame said that during his tenure he would develop Devalaya and assist the people in Kataragama.

Monaragala District Secretary Gunadasa Amarasinghe said that this festival was conducted under the sponsorship of government from a long time ago and it was his duty as the official in charge of the festival to see to the safety of pilgrims that it was done according to the guidelines of the government.

He said to achieve this goal, health authorities, security divisions, government officials and voluntary organisations played a vital role. He thanked them all and declared the official end of the festival.

(Pix by M.N.Piyaratne, Kataragama)