Historic Kandy Perahera begins on August 5
 

BY L.B. Wijayasiri in Kandy

THE historic Esala Perahera in Kandy will commence this year with the traditional Kap Planting ceremony at the four Devale premises, Natha, Vishnu, Katharagama and Pattini in the early hours of August 5, acting Diyawadana Nilame of Dalada Maligawa Rohan Paranagama said.

The auspicious times for the commencement of perahera and for the commencement of it everyday has been finalised by the Nekath Rala of the Dalada Maligawa.

According to the program after the Kap planting ceremony, the inner perahera will be conducted from August 5 to 9 within the precincts of four Devales, while special poojas will be held at the Dalada Maligawa. The first Kumbal Perahera will be conducted along the streets of Kandy on August 10 and continue till 14.

The most colourful segment of the Kandy perahera the 'Randoli Perahera' will commence wending the streets of Kandy on August 15 and continue till 19 when the Maha Perahera will be held.

This will be followed by the performing the ritual of water cutting at Getambe and the Day Perahera, at the completion of which the Temple chieftains headed by the Diyawadana nilame will call on President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to inform her that the Perahera was conducted successfully in keeping with the old tradition.