The Esala Festival of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya which began with the kap planting ceremony on May 20 will conclude on July 19 with the water cutting ceremony at the Menik Ganga, said an official from the Kataragama Devale.

The colourful Esala Perahera whci shows the World about the country’s cultural heritance, began on July 3 with the participation of a number of dance troupes representing all nine parts of the country with elephants and tuskers. The fire walking ceremony is scheduled for July 15.

The final Maha Perahera will march on streets on July 18 and water cutting ceremony at the Menik Ganga ferry on July 19 morning.

(Courtesy : Lanka Puwath )