Ethugalpurayai - Daham Amawai\', the annual Esala Zone, organized for the third consecutive time at Maligapitiya ground commenced on Tuesday (19), amid chanting of Seth Pirith by members of the Maha Sangha.\r\nThis mammoth religious spectacle that reminds us of the significance of the Esala Full Moon Poya day in the annals of Buddhist history saw its birth as a novel project of Major General Udaya Perera, Colonel of the Regiment, with the blessings of the Commander of the Army three years ago.\r\nThis religious zone, comprised of a huge pandol which narrates the life-story of \'Angulimala\', 25 colourful hand-crafted lanterns, devotional song sessions, cultural dance performances, wide screen Buddhist film shows and many other special features.\r\nThe inaugural ceremony on Tuesday (19), headed by Mrs Amara Piyaseeli Rathnayake, Governor for North-Western province at the invitation of Major General Udaya Perera was attended by more than 200 Buddhist monks who chanted Seth Pirith and blessed the project.\r\nMrs. Piyaseeli Rathnayake as the Chief Guest declared opened the \'Ethugalpurayai - Daham Amawai\' religious spectacle.
