The Siripada pilgrimage season begins today.

Accordingly, the relics, the statue of deity Saman and the ornaments placed at the Galpottawala Rajamaha Viharaya in Pelmadulla were taken in a procession to the Siripa Maluwa yesterday (28).

Meanwhile, the Nuwara Eliya District Covid Control Committee has asked devotees to refrain from attending the Siripa pilgrimage in January.

Ratnapura District Secretary Malani Lokupothagama issued a special gazette notification stating the health recommendations to be followed by devotees during the Siripa pilgrimage season this year.

Accordingly, those who wish to attend the Siripa pilgrimage should submit the details of their pilgrimage and register at the relevant Divisional Secretariat and bring a copy of the certificate.

Also, temporary accommodation should not be arranged or maintained on the 'Sripadasthana' route.

Also, mobile vendors have been banned in the Siripa courtyard, rest house areas as well as on the road.

Meanwhile, the administration of the Temple of the Tooth Relic states that devotees need to bring their National Identity Cards when visiting the Temple of the Tooth in the New Year in Kandy.