Today (Dec. 26) marks the Unduvap full moon Poya day.

This is a significant day for Sri Lankan Buddhists as the arrival of Sangamitta Theri at the Northern port of Dambakolapatuna and the handing over of the Sacred Bo sapling from the Sri Maha Bodhi in India to King Devanampiyatissa, took place on an Unduvap Poya Day.

In addition, the Unduvap full moon Poya day also marks the commencement of the 2023/2024 Sri Pada pilgrimage season.

The statue of the deity Sumana Saman is taken to Sri Pada from Sabaragamuwa Saman Devalaya in a procession. It is kept in the Viharaya for six months until the Sri Pada season ends on Vesak Poya next May before being returned to the Saman Devalaya.

The processions are scheduled to proceed through Ratnapura, Palabathgala and Erathna route, Ratnapura, Awissawella and Hatton route, and Balangoda, Bogawanthalwa route, which have been decorated by residents.

Sri Padasthanadipathi – Ven. Dhammadinna Thera has requested the pilgrims to refrain from any act violating the sanctity of Sri Padasthanaya and causing damage to the highly sensitive environment.

Meanwhile, SP Hatton Division Nipuna Dehigama said police posts would be in operation at Gangulathenna Ratu Ambalama, and Seethagangula in addition to Nallathanniya and Hatton police to provide protection to the pilgrims and to arrest pilgrims in possession of liquor and other intoxicants, if any, at the Hatton Railway Station an on the Sri Pada route from Nallathanniya.