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Flag-hoisting (19533 bytes)
Above: The Kataragama festival officially starts with the hoisting of an Islamic flag at the Mosque.Below: Bawas of the Refai Tariqat
Refai Tariqat bawas(17624 bytes)
[Kataragama Devotees Trust banner. For information about the Kataragame Devotees Trust of Sri Lanka go to the Kataragama Kaele Kendra home page.]
rustee of the Kataragama Mosque and Shrine al-Haj M.L.A. Gaffar, addressing the devotees at the Esala festival Flag-hoisting Ceremony on July 23, 1998, said thatonly at one place in the world do people of three religions worship together. Kataragama belongs to all the people of the world, not only to Sri Lankans.

The hoisting of the Islamic flag to mark the start of the 16-day Esala festival is only one of Kataragama's many traditions associated with the Mosque and Shrine. The origin of many traditions are lost in antiquity.

Kataragama is renowned among pious Muslims the world over asKhidr-gama, 'the home of al-Khidr'. In Islamic lore, al-Khidr 'the Green Man' was the companion of Alexander the Great who discovered thema'ul hayat or Water of Life.

Al-Khidr will live until the end of the world and whatever place he visits remains fresh and green. He is also known as Hayat Nabi 'the living prophet'.

During the Esala Festival,Maulood is recited in the name of Hayat Nabi (Khidr alai) every morning. The finalThamam recital occurs on August 8 after the Buddhists and Hindus celebrate the Water-cutting Ceremony at the Menik Ganga. FollowingThamam, a great feast is offered and the flag is lowered to end the festival.

Throughout the Esala festival, bawas or faqirs of the Refai Sufi Order perform Ratheeb ceremony every evening at the Mosque. The dramatic ritual of self-mortification in the Name of Allah attracts hundreds of Muslims and non-Muslims.

"Muslims call himHayat Nabi," al-Haj Gaffar told the assembled crowd."To Hindus he isMurugan. Buddhists call himKataragama Deviyo."

  

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