Kap Planting ceremony of Kandy Esala Perahera on August 13

Asela Kuruluwansa and Indika Polkotuwa

KANDY: This year’s Kandy Esala Pageant of the Sri Dalada Maligawa will commence with the Kap Planting ceremony at the four main Devalayas on August 13.

Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara announced this at a meeting of the Perahera Organising Committee held at the Kandy District Secretariat Auditorium on Wednesday.

He said thereafter Devala Peraheras will be conducted within the four Devalayas for the next six consecutive days. The Kumbal Perahera will begin to parade the streets on August 19 and continue for 5 days till August 23.

The Randoli Perahera will commence on August 24 and end with the grandeur Randoli Maha Perahera on August 28 night. The Pageant will conclude with the Water Cutting Ceremony at the Getambe ferry and the Day Perahera on August 29 morning.

The Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Maha Nayaka Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter presided over the meeting attended by Ven. Galagama Sri Buddharakkhita Anunayaka Thera, Kandy District Secretary Gotabaya Jayaratne and Basnayaka Nilames of the four main Devalayas.