Sri Lanka, Feb. 28 -- A group of 30 elderly devotees commenced a special 117-kilometer foot pilgrimage (Pada Yathra) from Kegalle to Sri Pada, following the ancient customs and rituals of their ancestors.

Organised for the 12th time by the 'Siri Pa Vandana Pada Yathra Cultural Foundation,' the journey began at 5:00 AM on the 26th from the Kegalle Udugama Temple.

The group travelled through Ruwanwella, Karawanella, Yatiyantota, and Kitulgala, recently reaching the Laxapana area.

Participants wear traditional attire and sing 'Thunsarane' folk poems as they head toward the Sri Pada upper sanctum via Nallathanniya.

Renowned actor and Kalabhushana State Award winner Hemandra Piyadasa serves as the chief 'Nade Gura' (group leader) for the...