The ‘Paada Yathra’ of Jaffna residents who take the long harsh road on foot from the North right down to the Southern city of Katharagama, has been a traditional practice for many years. 

Our Vavuniya correspondent came across a group in Pulmuddai area, who had been taking the road from Jaffna.

The group, about a hundred, also includes women. Their journey began from Jaffna and continued across Kodikamam, Pudukudiirippu, Kokilai, Kokkaduthuvai, Pulmuddai, Thiriyaya, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara and

Uhana. From Uhana, they will take up paths through the jungle that will lead them to the Katharagama Devalaya.

The journey is expected to take around 54 days.

(Pics : Madhava Kulasooriya : Vavuniya correspondent)