H indu devotees from North and East commence their annual procession 45 days before the annual Kataragama Esala Festival held in mid Augsut. Most of these devotees before the start of the walk gather at the Nallur Kovil and Sella Sannidhi Kovil in Jaffna to make their vows to offer at Kataragama. The procession is traditionally led by a person who is called ‘Veil Samy’, who carries the weapon named as ‘Veil’ and leads the other devotees. 
The men devotees who take part in this procession are called ‘Swamy’ while women participants are known as ‘Swamy Amma’ . Hindus believe that meeting a ‘Swamy or a ‘Swamy Amma’ is a blessing. Devotees who take part in these processions consider themselves as servants or slaves of God Murugan.
While on their way to Kataragama they have to trek for over 400 kilo metres passing through the sea beach and thick jungle infested with wild animals specially making their way through the ‘Yala Santuary’. There were many instances people lost their lives due attacks from animals. The devotees before the commencement of the procession get themselves ready with food items to keep well fed until their journey ends at Kataragama. When passing villages on their route villagers supply food as alms for the pilgrims.
While on their way they spend nights in worshiping places like temples and kovils. At times they also relax under tress in the jungle. Relaxing in jungle areas is dangerous. Parents carry their children along with them to fulfill vows to God Murugan. While covering this distance of over 400 kilo metres participants come across 73 worshiping sites where they pray asking God’s Blessings to reach their destination safely.
Pix: Sulochana Gamage
