Pada Yatra guidelines
Kataragama Pada Yatra
- Pada Yatra is performed in response to
a call from the heart. If you are not called, don’t come.
- Pada Yatra is not a family
affair. Walk if you are called, but leave your family at home.
- Keep your vows few and simple, but keep
them.
- Walk alone, or walk with a nade or
kuttam (party of other pilgrims), but obtain permission before joining one.
- Foot pilgrims wear traditional dress
only: vettis and shawl for men, saris for women. Trousers are unacceptable
for men or boys. Slippers may be worn if you cannot go barefoot, but not shoes are unacceptable.
- Do not announce your destination or
starting time. Upsets may occur.
- Learn from elders and experienced
pilgrims who know more than you know.
- Pada Yatra is not a race. To
learn and enjoy the yatra, walk with the elders.
- Consumption of alcohol is strictly
prohibited. If you drink, you will be expelled.
- Increase the faith all around for self
and others, or else remain at home.
- Sleep out of doors at night or in
temples, but not in private homes. Taste the homeless life fully and enjoy
it while you can.
- Accept whatever comes. Blessings may
appear in disguise.
- Share whatever comes; accept the alms,
friendship and wisdom of others.
- Do not unload your personal grievances
upon others while en route. Deliver all complaints to Kataragama and
register them there personally.
- Trust in the Spirit and make it your constant guide. Beware of imitations.
| What to bring with you:
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What not to bring:
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| Enough money to meet your own expenses
|
Your family and family problems
|
| Camera & film |
No motor vehicles, radios or cassettes |
| Water bottle, cup and bowl |
No alcohol permitted |
| White or colored vetti, shawl |
No soaps or shampoos |
| Prescription medicines |
No pets |
| Sleeping sheet |
No polythene bags or glass bottles |
While in national parks:
- Extinguish all cooking fires before departure including other unextinguished fires.
- Do not smoke while walking. Do not throw away burning cigarettes or beedis.
- Disturb the wild animals at your own risk. This is their home, not yours.
- Do
not deface trees, rocks or scenic places or discard trash, polythene bags,
etc. on your way.
- Use water sparingly. Thousands of pilgrims come behind you and they too need
clean water.
Sponsored by the Kataragama Devotees Trust and the Living Heritage Trust and facilitated by:
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