Photography project
Pada Yatra
One of the holiest of pilgrim trails seldom known to westerners. This is my story.
The tradition
The Pada Yatra starts from the north of Sri Lanka and makes it’s way along the east coast to the holy city of Kataragama, while cutting through 2 incredibly wild national parks. Realising how little is mentioned out there, I geared up to document the last 100km of the parks and the dazzling festival to end it all.
The result
I’ve gathered a wealth of footage of interviews with pilgrims and hikers — capturing the intense tradition, grueling treks under the sun, the frenzy of the festival and the abuse of elephants in its rituals. The mini-documentary is still a work in progress, but in the meantime, enjoy my photography.
Event
Pada Yatra 2023
Location
Pottuvil, Kumana National Park, Yala National Park and Kataragama. Sri Lanka.
Range
Hiking / pilgrim trail / dance / culture and tradition / festival / animal abuse
Documentary
Work in progress
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