06th December 2025 11:15:04 Hours
The highly anticipated Sri Pada pilgrimage season officially began on 4 December 2025, Uduwap Full Moon Poya Day, marking the start of the sacred annual journey that takes place from December to May. This year’s season started with a series of religious observances held at the Sri Pada Raja Maha Viharaya in Galpoththaawala, Ratnapura.
The inaugural proceedings began at an auspicious time, featuring the enshrinement of the relics casket and the statue of God Saman at the Pelmadulla Galpoththawala Sri Pada Viharaya and Advikanda Purana Viharaya.
Continuing a proud tradition, troops of the Gemunu Watch, dressed in ceremonial attire, took the lead in bearing the sacred relics casket and the statue. They embarked on the customary march from Palabaddala Purana Viharaya to the Sri Pada Maluwa along the historic Raja Mawatha route. At the same time, another honourable procession moved from Advikanda Purana Viharaya, via Erathna to Sri Pada Maluwa.
Centre Commandant of the Gemunu Watch, Brigadier KMN Dikkumbura RSP, together with Senior Officers, Officers, and 220 Other Ranks, took part in this revered religious ceremony, upholding a tradition they lead each year with great devotion and discipline.
The event attracted a large gathering of devotees who arrived at Sri Pada Maluwa, while many others lined the roads to pay their respects to the sacred relics' casket and the statue of God Saman as the procession made its way to the summit.
With the season now officially underway, this year’s Sri Pada pilgrimage promises a deeply spiritual experience for all participants, bringing together communities in reverence and unity to honour one of Sri Lanka’s most cherished cultural and religious traditions.
