Wattrappalei Kovil festival today

Hemanthi Guruge

The annual festival of the historical Wattrappalei Kovil in Mullaitivu will be held today. A large number of Hindu devotees of over 300,000 from all over the country and abroad are expected to attend the festival.

This is the second time that this festival is being held after defeating nearly 30 years of terrorism. The people in the area are happy with the end of the war and restoration of peace.

Security forces have extended their fullest cooperation in making the annual festival a success. The Wattrappalei Kovil has great historical importance.

A significant feature of this Kovil is that there is an ability to light lamps with sea water in the kovil.

Special festivals such as Paku Thendal and Abisheka Theertham were held earlier and a large number of lamps were lit with sea water.

Special security and transportation arrangements have already been made to provide facilities for devotees who will attend the ceremonies on 12,13 and 14 of this month.

Nine indigenous families in the village who are dedicated to this religious ceremony for several years, will organize the festival.