Padyatra, is a journey by foot taken by people with the same interest towards reaching a similar goal. Padayatras being spoken here are followed as an annual custom by devotees towards famous shrines. Most common Padayatras of Eastern province are taken to Kataragama and the sacred Shrine of the Lady of Perpetual help. These devotees follow a common track to reach these temples and this custom is undertaken during a given period of time, every year. .
Kataragama padayatra
Kataragama, is one of the top most famous temples of lord Murugan, who is also believed as Kataragama deviyo by Buddhists of Sri Lanka. This temple, unlike other hindu temples has many different customs that are practiced during festival times and also as a daily routine. Devotees from Sri Lanka, also have this custom of walking to this temple as an annual sacrifice. Thousands of devotees take part in this Padayatra and it covers many significant temples of lord Murugan along the eastern coast, which are used as halting points to these pilgrims who walk a long way.
Ayithiyamalai padayatra
The lady of our Perpetual help in Ayithiyamalai, is a famous temple that is visited by thousands of Catholics every year. The annual pilgrimage to this temple is held on the 05th of September every year. Devotees walk along the road from Batticaloa to this temple that is 17km away from Batticaloa town.