SEC-S16W1 | My Memorable Trip In Childhood

Hey Steemian friends!

This trip happened when I was in the village. It was Vesak Poyaday (Buddhist Festival), and all the relatives were visiting grandmother's house to see her. Suddenly, someone threw the idea of paying a visit to Kataragama Temple since it was like a family reunion, and the excitement in the air was palpable. No time for meticulous planning, everyone spontaneously agreed!

^{Ever taken this vehicle for a long-distance drive?}

Kataragama temple is a sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists, so a visit there on Vesak day was a fun adventure. The transport of choice was the main issue, and a vintage tractor that looked like the one above was the final choice for everyone. If any of you know how fast and comfortable this vehicle is, you can imagine the rest of the story. Imagine cruising at a whopping 40km per hour with a roofless and seat-less vehicle. That also when the sun is beating down on you. Sounds comfy, right?

^{Kataragama Temple source}

Well, first of all, it was insanely fun! because of the full group of family traveling together after a long time. The pilgrimage transformed into a mobile party, and in no time, we were singing songs and having all kinds of snacks while traveling because it was a Poyaday. Dansel (free food as alms) was available everywhere on the roadside. But I guess nobody thought about the scorching sun and how would it affect driving 80km in a roofless tractor. This was the first time most of us traveled so far in a tractor, and halfway to the temple, everybody was exhausted.

^{On Vesak's Full Moon day, you can find free food and drinks everywhere! source}

On the way, other pilgrims to Kataragama used buses and vans, looking at us with a mix of amusement and sympathy. They probably thought "What on earth are these guys doing?". Some kind souls even threw water at us as a sun treat 🥵, a refreshingly unexpected twist!

Despite all the craziness, this journey etched itself into the core of my childhood memories. I may never hop on a tractor for an 80km joyride again, but that wild trip to Kataragama will forever be the longest and quirkiest adventure of my life.

Thank you for this interesting contest @travelingsteem. Looking forward to taking on the next week’s challenge. I would like to invite @senehasa, @yancar & @enrisanti to participate in this contest.

Thank you.

Peace to all 🙏