Diya Kapeema (Water-Cutting Ceremony of the Historic Esala Festival)

The 211th Diya Kapeema Maha Mangalyaya (Water-cutting ceremony) of the Kadudevola Siddha Rankadu Paththini Devalaya was held on Sunday morning (13th) at the Kelani River.

Before the departure of the procession for the water-cutting ritual, offerings were made at the temple, including Buddha Pooja and ritual observances at the Paththini, Vishnu, and Rittha Devalayas. Amidst the rhythmic sounds of traditional Hevisi drumming, the sacred procession bearing the divine ornaments ceremonially departed from the Devalaya for the Diya Kapeema ritual.

At an auspicious time, the sacred Kap, which had been planted within the temple premises at the commencement of the Esala Festival, was wrapped in a white cloth and carried behind the palanquin bearing the sacred divine ornaments as the procession proceeded.

From the Devalaya’s designated landing point, the Chief Basnayake Nilame and accompanying officials boarded a ceremonial boat. A second boat carried the traditional Hevisi drummers who continued their ritual sound offerings as both boats proceeded along the Kelani River for the water-cutting ceremony (Diya Kapeema)

The Diya Kapeema ritual of the Kadudevola Siddha Rankadu Paththini Devalaya’s Diya Ranakeli Mangalyaya is conducted at the Bulathgampatha boundary of the Kelani River. The ritual is performed within a section of the boat enclosed by curtains. A golden sword—being one of the divine ornaments of Goddess Pattini carried in the procession, is immersed in the river to symbolically “cut” the water. From the separated current created by this act, fresh water is collected into a golden vessel. It is believed that the waters remain distinctly parted until the golden vessel is filled, signifying divine grace and power.

Following the cutting of the water, traditional offerings such as betel leaves and coins are cast into the river in accordance with ancient customs. The sounding of the conch shell signals the completion of the ritual, after which the boats return to the landing point. After performing the customary ritual offerings in keeping with tradition, the Chief Basnayake Nilame disembarks at the landing place with his head covered in a white ceremonial cloth, which is a distinctive feature of this observance. After special blessings are invoked and the Garayak dance ritual is performed, the cloth covering his head is ceremonially removed.

At the location where the water-cutting concludes, the Kap planted at the beginning of the Esala Festival is released into the river. The individual assigned this duty swims beneath the boat and releases the Kap into the flowing water. This act symbolises the removal of misfortune and the bringing of peace and well-being to all.

Thereafter, the sacred ornaments and the golden vessel containing the blessed water are placed in a specially prepared pavilion. The Garayak Shanthikarma (ritual of blessing) is then performed in accordance with tradition. Following the offering of alms to all participants, the Diya Kapa Gevadheema Perahera (Return Procession of the Water-Cutting Ceremony), bearing the golden vessel and divine ornaments, proceeds back to the Devalaya. The sacred water collected during this ceremony is preserved and used in the following year’s traditional Oil Anointing Ceremony (Nanumura Mangalyaya).

With the completion of this Diya Kapeema Maha Mangalyaya (Water-Cutting Ceremony), the procession duties of the 211th Annual Esala Festival of the Kadudevola Siddha Rankadu Paththini Devalaya formally came to an end.

May the divine protection and blessings of the Goddess Sath Paththini be bestowed upon everyone, especially all those who contributed to the success of this year’s Esala Festival, granting health, peace, and well-being to all.

May the Triple Gem bless you!