The 69th annual Esala Perahera festival of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya will begin on August 4 under the guidance of Ven Dr. Bellanwila Dhammarathana Nayake Thera, Incumbent at Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya. The festival, commenced in 1950 under the auspices of late Incumbent, Ven Bellanwila Sri Somarathana Nayake Thera of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya, has been organized on a grand scale this year too.