July 05, Colombo: One of the major historical pageants in Sri Lanka, the Kataragama Esala festival is to begin on July 22nd, the Basnayaka Nilame (custodian) of the Kataragama Temple, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, said.

According to this year's schedule, the walking on burning coal, the most remarkable event in the Kataragama Esala festival, is to be held on the 02nd of August.

The final procession (perahara) comprising several elephants, cultural events traditional only to Southern Sri Lanka is to be held on August 05th.

Basnayaka Nilame (custodian) of the Kataragama Temple, Shasheendra Rajapaksa said he believes that large amount of devotees will reach Kataragama from Northern part of the country due to the prevailing peaceful environment.