ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY TROOPS OF 24 DIVISION FOR THE TRADITIONAL FOOT PILGRIMAGE TO KATHARAGAMA
1. The traditional foot pilgrimage (PadaYathra) to Katharagama is held annually in the month of July and August affiliated with traditional Esala Maha Perahara of Ruhunu Katharagama Dewalaya. Approximately 25 000 devotees of Sinhala and Hindu are expected each year for the march along Okanda to Katharagama via the National Park Kumana by crossing the Kumbukan Oya which is famous as Kuda Kabiliththa.\r\n\r\n2. This year’s foot pilgrimage was started on 15 July with the early morning oblation at Okanda Sri Murugan Temple. With the direction of GOC 24 Division Major General LM Mudalige RWP RSP ndu, the contribution of 242 Brigade towards this traditional event as follows:\r\n\r\n a. Providing security to devotees with the police.\r\n b. Maintaining counting points at Okanda and Kumana.\r\n c. Providing drinking water to devotees by establishing 18 water points in collaboration with District Secretariat Lahugala and Water Supply and Drainage Board.\r\n d. Providing medical assistance in liaison with relief organizations/ civil organizations. \r\n\r\n4. In the previous year, 23129 devotees took part in the foot pilgrimage and participation of more devotees is expected in this year too. Moreover, the gates at Okanda and Kumana will be opened until the termination of Esala Perahara on 02 August.\r\n
