Sri Lanka, July 5 -- The maiden group of devotees from the plantation sector set off on foot from Maskeliya to Kataragama, joining the 'Pada Yathra' pilgrimage, to participate in the Esala festival at the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya.

The group, consisting of nine individuals, will end their pilgrimage participating at the 'Kap Situweema' ceremony of the Ruhunu Kataragama Esala festival, which is to take place on July 16.

Their foot pilgrimage will cover 280 kilometres through Maskeliya, Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Welimada, Bandarawela, Kumbalgama, Hathe Kanuwa, Wellawaya, Athanawala, Kudapehera, and Tanamalwila.

The group intends to walk between 40 and 50 kilometres per day, staying overnight at religious sites and rest houses ...