The annual Sri Pada Pilgrimage season 2022/23

The annual Sri Pada Pilgrimage season 2022/23 begins today. A series of religious activities to mark the beginning of the season was held at the Sri Pada Raja Maha Viharaya in Galpoththaawala, Ratnapura yesterday. The processions, carrying the sacred objects and the statue of God Sumana Saman from the Temple to the Sri Pada reached Sri Pada this morning.
It is recorded that during the Lord Buddha’s lifetime, he visited Sri Lanka, on the invitation of lord Sumana Saman and placed his footprint on the summit of the Sri Pada. The Sri Pada Pilgrimage season will end on wesak poya day next year.
Chief Incumbent of the Sri Pada Raja Maha Viharaya, Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thera, says that increased facilities will be provided to devotees and visitors with the assistance of both the State and private sector during the pilgrimage season. The thero requests the pilgrims to behave in disciplined manner during the visit to the sacred site.