Seylan Bank supports Ruhunu Kataragama Esala Maha Mangalya

Saturday, 10 August 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Seylan Bank took measures to support the annual Ruhunu Kataragama Esala Maha Mangalya with a financial donation and by distributing 15,000 water bottles to quench the thirst of hundreds of devotees.

The Esala Maha Mangalya is a sacred celebration for many Sri Lankans from all ethnicities and faiths, the 15-day festival takes place during the month of July to pay tribute to God Kataragama. The annual celebration brings thousands of devotees from across the island, making it one of the most anticipated, religious celebrations in the Sri Lankan calendar.

The highlight of the festival is the Maha Perahara, where the relic or ‘Yantra’ of God Kataragama is placed on a majestic tusker as drummers set the beat, various dancers join the procession in vibrant costumes, dancing along the beautifully lit night sky. The festivities end with the Diya Kepime Mangallaya, the day after the Maha Perahara, where a ceremonial, ancient sword is used to part the waters of the sacred Menik River and clay pots are filled with the water at the point of parting.

Seylan Bank considers CSR an important part of business as a socially responsible corporate citizen. Over the years Seylan Bank has sponsored multiple CSR projects in the areas of education, health, sports and environment to uplift and empower the underprivileged communities across the island.