Diya Kapeema (Water-Cutting Ceremony of the Historic Esala Festival)
2023-08-13 - 2026-08-13
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!

Fire-Walking Ceremony (Gini Paegima)
2023-08-20 - 2026-08-20 | Rankadu paththini dewalaya Kaduwela, 350 5th Ave, kaduwela, Western, 10118, Sri Lanka
The Fire-Walking Ceremony, held in connection with the 211th Annual Esala Festival of the historic Kadudevola Siddha Rankadu Paththini Devalaya, was conducted with great devotion and reverence.
The principal sponsorship and organisation for this sacred ceremony were undertaken jointly by Hon. Binara Jayawardena, former Singhadhipathi and United National Party organiser for Kaduwela (306/C/1); Hon. Thilak Anuraseeri, Proprietor of the Malti Audio Visual Business, Colombo First Cross Street; and the Chairman, Board of Directors, General Manager, and staff of the Seemasahitha Hewagam Korale West Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, whose collective support contributed greatly to the successful conduct of the event.
We extend our heartfelt blessings to all those who dedicated themselves selflessly to ensuring the complete success of this sacred Fire-Walking Ceremony. May they be granted the divine protection and blessings of God Kataragama (Kandha Surindhu) and Goddess Sath Paththini.
May the Triple Gem bless you!
With loving-kindness and goodwill,
Media Unit
Kadudevola Siddha Rankadu Paththini Devalaya

Paththini Dance (Paththini Nateema)
2023-08-20 - 2026-08-20 | Rankadu paththini dewalaya Kaduwela, 350 5th Ave, kaduwela, Western, 10118, Sri Lanka
As part of the 211th Annual Esala Maha Festival of the historic Kadudevola Siddha Rankadu Paththini Devalaya, the Paththini Dance performed in connection with the Gammadu Devolmadu Shanthikarma was ceremonially conducted during the early morning hours of August 20.
Following the completion of ritual services accompanied by Hevisi drumming, the Paththini anklet (Salamba) and the sacred divine ornaments enshrined within the main sanctum were ceremonially brought to the dance pavilion. Adorned in the divine form of Goddess Paththini, the Chief Basnayake Nilame, bearing the sacred ornaments, performed the Paththini Dance in rhythm with traditional drumming.
The divine ornaments were placed upon the ceremonial platform, and from this platform to the sacred archway, a ceremonial cloth (Pavada) was laid. Permission was then sought through the chanting of Pavada Avassara Kavi (verses of consent), invoking approval from all gods before proceeding further.
“Uthum Vishnu Deviyange
Theda Anasaka Makiyanne
Awada seta denne
Pawade avasara denne.”
Subsequently, ritual observances were conducted, including the recitation of ritual verses such as Anguru Dumdala Pada and Kahadiya Kothala Pada, along with other devotional offerings. Holding the Paththini anklet in both hands, the performer then engaged in the Theva Narthanaya (ritual dance). While continuing the sacred Paththini Dance in devotion, verses in praise of Goddess Paththini, including the Paththini Sirasapada and Karandu Pada, were recited, invoking blessings and well wishes for all.
“Mevan theda Pattini deviyan sathose
Eran salamba gena yahanata weduwa thene
Devan panduru palamuwama rajuge athine
Aran puda kalō thun dahasak nethine.”
The individual who performs the Paththini Dance while bearing the sacred ornaments and conducting the ritual offerings is traditionally known as the PaththiniHami. This sacred role may only be undertaken by a person belonging to the hereditary lineage, and no other individual is permitted to perform the ritual of bearing the Paththini anklet.
In keeping with these ancient customs and traditions, the Paththini Dance associated with the Gammadu ceremony at the Siddha Rankadu Paththini Devalaya was performed by the Chief Basnayake Nilame, Mr. Kularathne Wijethunga.On this occasion, he ceremonially undertook the Paththini Dance for the 40th time, in accordance with traditional ritual practice.
May the blessings and protection of the Goddess Sath Paththini bring well-being and prosperity to you all!
May the Triple Gem bless you!
Media Unit
Kadudevola Siddha Rankadu Paththini Devalaya

Garayak Shanthikarma
2023-08-21 - 2026-08-11
Marking the conclusion of the 211th Annual Esala Maha Festival of the Kadudevola Siddha Rankadu Paththini Devalaya, the Garayak Shanthikarma was conducted to invoke blessings and peace upon all those who contributed to the success of this year’s Esala Festival.
This sacred ritual was performed to bestow blessings upon the Chief Basnayake Nilame of the Devalaya, Mr. Kularathne Wijethunga, the Executive Officer, Mr. Shamal Wijethunga, the members of the Devalaya Pooja Upahara Committee, the villagers, and all devotees who supported the Esala Maha Festival in numerous ways.
The principal sponsorship for this Garayak Shanthikarma was generously undertaken by Mr. M. G. Pushpakumara, Proprietor of Lower Bomiriya Oushadhi Garden Service, in devotion and goodwill.
May the divine power of the Siddha Keela Garayak Deity protect you all, granting good health, peace of mind, and freedom from illness, suffering, and fear.
May the blessings of Goddess Sath Paththini be with you!
May the Triple Gem bless you!
