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| Wednesday, 3 September 2003 |
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Chilaw special correspondent Nikini Festival at Munneswaram Ishwara Maha Devale in Chilaw which began on August 14 with the flag hoisting ceremony ends on September 10 with the Water Cutting ceremony at Deduru Oya two miles off Chilaw. Munneswaram Maha Devale is situated about one and half miles from Chilaw on the Chilaw-Kurunegala Road. This Hindu shrine is revered by Hindu, Buddhists as well as other believers. The processions at the temple take place continuously for fourteen days in the precincts of the temple and fourteen days outside the temple. Pilgrims gather from all walks of life to participate in the processions and festivities reminiscent of Hindu religion. There are two other Hindu temples in the vicinity. One is dedicated to Gana Deviyo and the other to God Aiyanayake. The well-known Bhadra Kali Devale is situated just a stone throw away from the Ishwara Maha Devale and Hindus never fail to visit this Shrine after making their supplications at the Ishwara Maha Devale. The Festival which is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur ends after twenty eight days of festivities, prayer and supplication to the gods to expiate their sins and omissions. The other ceremonies are as follows: The fire walking ceremony and perahera will be held on September 5, The Bhikshadana Perahera on September 6, Nadaraja Perahera on September 7, Ramba Videema Perahera on September 8, The Great Chariot Perahera on September 9 and the Festival ends with the Water Cutting ceremony on September 10 at Deduru Oya. The grand procession which starts from Deduru Oya will wend its way to Chilaw and stops in the heart of Chilaw near the round about in front of the Chilaw Urban Council for about one hour for veneration, festivities and Khomba Kale Dancing and then proceed to the promenade at the Chilaw sea beach where singing Kavadi Dancing and music continue till late at night after which the Great Chariot returns to the temple at Munneswaram for hibernation for the same festival to be held next year. |
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