Srilanka, March 30 -- The 58th National New Rice Festival will be held at the foot of the Anuradhapura Sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka participating as the chief guest on April 3 and 4. Anuradhapura Agrarian Development Deputy Commissioner Kelum Dissanayaka told the Sunday Observer that at present, new rice stocks are being collected from the 25 districts to fill the giant historical bowl placed in the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.

On April 3 morning at the long existing tradition milk boiling ceremony at the four gateways to be followed by other long standing religious rituals such as flower offering drumming in respect of sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi will be held before the all-night pirith cha...