The Kap Planting Ceremony of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya was held according to traditional rituals, recently.
This is a ritual performed for decades on the instructions of King Dutugemunu, Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya Basnayaka Nilame D. P. Kumarage said.
The Esala festival and perahera commence after 45 days of the Kap planting ceremony. The Esala perahera that commences in July 4 continues for 15 days.
The final perahera will be held on August 7 and the Esala festival will come to a climax on August 8 with the water cutting ceremony at Menik Ganga and an almsgiving.