Two million to participate in Viharaya Esala pageant

The 45th Annual Esala pageant and Cultural Festival of the historic Sittamgallena Raja Maha Viharaya at Walasmulla in the Hambanthota District will be held from October 26 to November 1.

Earlier, the Esala festival was held with the support of devotees and well wishers of the temple. But this time, state patronage has been received under the guidance of Presidential Coordinating Secretary Kithsiri Ganaganath Abeygunawardena who was appointed to the post of Basnayaka Nilame of the temple in 2007. The new Basnayaka Nilame said the glamour and beauty of the cultural pageant has elevated it by attracting more local and international visitors. The road network has also been reconstructed at a cost of Rs.45 million and the temple up to Ihala Viharaya has been illuminated.

A fully fledged computer laboratory has also been offered to the temple. The four nilames have been appointed for the Sathara Maha Devala and a website launched tracing the temple's history and significance. This ancient temple was registered under the Vihara Devalagama Act and declared as a historical place by the Archaeological Department.

The Randoli Perahera will be held on October 30 commencing from 9 p.m. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Uva Chief Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa, Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa and Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa are due to witness the Perahera.

The organizers expect around two million people to participate in all religious activities during the seven days. Sittamgallena Raja Maha Viharaya Chief Incumbent Ven. Agalakada Piyasiri Nayaka thera, Ven, Kirama Gunarathna Thera, Basnayaka Nilame Kithsiri Ganaganath Abeygunawardena and Dayaka Sabha of the temple under the patronage of the Presidential Secretariat, public and private sector have organized the event.