V. P. Sivapragasam Akkaraipattu group correspondent AKKARAIPATTU: The sylvan shrine of the Ukanthamalai Sri Murugan Kovil, in the jungle amidst rocks, devoted to the Kataragama Deity, is teeming with pilgrims as the annual festival began on July 15 with the “Mayoora Flag-Hoisting” ceremonies, conducted by a dozen priests. The Ven. Shiva Agama Kiriya-Juti, Siddhantha Banu Shiva Sri Sita Ram Kurukal conducted the poojas assisted by Ven. Isana Shiva Achariyar, Shiva Sri Sat Chit Ananda Kurukal, Shiva Sri Illi Palanivel Kurukal, Shiva-Sri M. Vettivel Kurukal and Shiva Sri M. Uma Sutha Sarma. The inspiring ceremonies and rites began in the morning and continued till late afternoon, in the midst of chanting of sacred Sankrit hymns, and cries of “Haro-Hara.” The Chairman of the Temple Committee, Nadarajah Tharmalingam, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Ampara District and several local Heads of Departments and institutions participated in the ceremonies. The security in the
