Sri Lanka, July 2 -- The 7th Esala Festival of the historic Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya is set to take place tonight (July 2), continuing a revered tradition that draws thousands of devotees from across Sri Lanka.

Last night's (July 1) procession concluded after the ceremonial escort of the royal princes to the Valli Amma Devalaya, where age-old rituals were performed. The procession then returned to the Maha Devalaya via the Maha Vidiya, offering homage along the way.

Basnayake Nilame Dishan Gunasekara participated in the procession, which featured traditional dance performances and majestically adorned elephants in honour of the deity.

The Kataragama shrine, a sacred site for Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim devotees alike, continues ...