Sripada season begins December 1

S. Duraisamy Maskeliya group correspondent

The sacred summit: The Sripada

The annual Sripada Season starts on December 1 Unduwap Full Moon Day and ends on next Vesak Poya Day.

Arrangements have been finalised to facilitate the pilgrims influx to the sacred peak by all government departments under the directive of the Nuwara Eliya Government Agent.

A motorcade carrying Buddha statues and deities will tour on November 30 from Ratnapura via Avissawella, Yatiyantota, Kitulgala, Ginigathena, Watawala, Hatton, Dickoya, Norwood Bridge, Maskeliya, Mousakelle and reach Nallathanni town in the night.

The statues will then be carried by Buddhist Monks led by Chief Incumbent of Sri Pada, Ven. Handapangoda Wimal Thera up to the Maluwa of Sri Pada where the statues will be placed. The Sri Pada Festival will commence at midnight to the accompaniment of beating of drums and pirith chanting by monks.

Meanwhile Highway Minister T.B. Ekanayake, visited Nallathanni Town yesterday and laid the foundation to construct a flight of steps from Makarathorana to the top of Sri Pada at a cost of Rs. 900,000.