According to Esala Maha Perahera committee, a series of religious programmes will commence on August 11th to mark the commemoration of the late Most Ven. Sri Somarathana thera who initiated the Bellanwila Esala Maha Perahera in August 1950. A series of Dharma Deshanas will also be held from August 11 to 13.
The Sathi Pirith chanting will begin on August 14 and continue till August 20.
Following the Sath Pirith chanting, the Dhorakada Asna programme and Devadutha Perahera will be conducted. In keeping with ancient customs and traditions, the Kumbal Perahera will begin on August 20. The Flower Perahera will parade the streets on August 21,22,23 and 24.
The Pavada Perahera will be held on August 25 while the Ransivili and the Randoli Peraheras will parade the streets on August 26 and 27.
The pageant will conclude with the water cutting ceremony at the Boralesgamuwa ferry on August 28. The ceremony will end after the alms giving to the deities.