The Kataragama Esela Festival commenced on July 13. Thousands of devotees from every part of the country now visit the sacred Kiriwehera and Kataragama to receive the blessings of the triple gems and the Kataragama deity. The pereharas parade the street every day during the festival with elephants carrying the caskets of relics. Devotees bathe in the Menik Ganga and participate in Walking on Fire and other rituals throughout the festival days. Pictures by Sulochana Gamage
