(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – The annual Sri Pada pilgrim season, which begins from the Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day, began at an auspicious time yesterday for the 2022 – 2023 season.
A series of religious activities to mark the beginning of the season were held at the Sri Pada Raja Maha Viharaya temple in Galpoththaawala, Ratnapura yesterday.
Three processions, carrying the sacred casket of Relics of the Buddha, sacred objects, and the statue of God Saman from the Temple to the Sri Pada maluwa on Balangoda Road, Sri Palabaddala Road and Hatton Road reached the upper precincts of Sri Pada early morning Tuesday.
A large number of people stood on both sides of the road to offer flowers and perform poojas to the processions carrying the sacred caskets.
The program was organized by the Sri Pada Vandana Pooja Committee under the guidance of Sri Padastanadhipathi and Chancellor of Uva-Wellassa Univerity, Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Maha Nayaka Thera.
Opening the season, Sri Padastanadhipathi Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Maha Nayaka Thera requested the pilgrims to preserve the environment keeping the sacred mountain free of polythene and plastic during the Sri Pada season.
Sri Pada, also known as Adam’s Peak has been proclaimed as a world heritage site by the UNESCO.
Hundreds of thousands of local and foreign devotees belonged to all four major religions – Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims- trek to the summit of the 7,359 ft high sacred mountain each year during the season.
Sri Pada pilgrim season will end on Wesak Poya Day in May 2023.
