Navy facilitates Katina Pinkama ceremony at Nagadeepa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya

The annual Katina Pinkama ceremony of Nagadeepa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya, on the island of Nainativu in Jaffna, was successfully held with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy on 10 and 11 Oct 25.

At the directives of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, the Northern Naval Command facilitated the conduct of this long-standing religious custom. Accordingly, arrangements were in place under the supervision of Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, seeking the wise counsel of the Chief Incumbent of Nagadeepa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya and Chief Sanghanayake for Northern Province, Most Ven. Nawadagala Padumakitti Tissa Thera.

On 10 October, the sacred Katina Robe (Cheewara) was carried in a vibrant procession organized by the Northern Naval Command. Commencing from the Naval Detachment in Nainativu, the procession paraded through the streets of the island amid the chanting of Pirith, allowing devotees to pay homage before returning to the Naval Detachment. Later that evening, a series of religious observances associated with the Katina ceremony were conducted at the Nagadeepa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya.

On 11 October, the Katina Robe was respectfully brought to the Nagadeepa Viharaya with great devotion, followed by the Katina Cheewara Puja. Under the patronage of the Commander of the Navy, the Navy also arranged the offering of mid-day alms (Dana) and Pirikara to members of the Maha Sangha.

Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne (Retd), Commander Northern Naval Area, officers and sailors from the Northern Naval Command and a group of devotees were also present on this occasion.