The grand opening of the Golden Gate at the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya took place on Sunday morning, July 21, with a remarkable turnout of pilgrims from across the country. The event was presided over by Mahinda Rajapaksa, the fifth Executive President of Sri Lanka.
The ancient tradition of cleaning feet (pa dowanaya kireema) for pilgrims visiting the Devalaya, in gratitude (prathi anumodana kireema) for paying homage to the God Kataragama, followed the opening ceremony. The event was organized and attended by Basnayake Nilame Dishan Gunasekara.’
The newly constructed ‘Golden Gate’ entrance features staircases designed to enhance the convenience of pilgrims. Leading through the Menik Ganga to the sacred Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, the construction began on February 16, 2023. This project includes two staircases adorned with decorative guard walls, aimed at facilitating pilgrims participating in the ‘Kataragama Pada Yatra.’
