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The Kavadi ritual at Devinuwara's Esala pageant resumed on Tuesday under massive security. Its return underscored how an underworld feud has disrupted a centuries-old religious festival.
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Colombo,UPDATED: Jul 28, 2026 13:38 IST
A key ritual at Sri Lanka's annual Esala pageant in Devinuwara returned on Tuesday under heavy security after it was cancelled earlier over an underworld threat, police said.
About 1,500 personnel, including members of the elite Special Task Force, were deployed for the Kavadi ritual at the Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu temple. The traditional dance ritual had been called off on Sunday after intelligence inputs warned of a possible armed or drone attack linked to the continuing rivalry between fugitive drug kingpins Shehan Sathsara and Kanjipani Imran, both believed to be operating from overseas.
Police said security checks were carried out on those taking part in the Kavadi ritual on Tuesday, and crystal methamphetamine, locally known as "ice", and cannabis were seized from some individuals.
According to police sources, people believed to be followers of Sathsara were awarded this year's contract to perform the Kavadi ritual instead of those linked to Imran, worsening tensions between the two groups.
In March 2025, two suspected members of Imran's gang were shot dead opposite the temple in an attack allegedly carried out by the rival faction. Last week, unidentified gunmen opened fire at a house near the temple in what police believe was another incident linked to the continuing underworld feud in Devinuwara.
The Devinuwara Esala pageant dates back to the 13th century and is one of Sri Lanka's oldest and most important religious and cultural festivals held in honour of Lord Vishnu, regarded as one of the island's guardian deities. The festival reflects the long-standing coexistence of Buddhist and Hindu devotional traditions in Sri Lanka. Kavadi is a devotional ritual in which devotees carry decorated wooden structures on their shoulders while dancing to drums and devotional music as an act of thanksgiving.
With the Kavadi ritual back under unprecedented security, the pageant continued amid concerns over the feud that had led to its cancellation earlier.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Jul 28, 2026 13:38 IST
