The Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara said that the Esala Perahera in Kandy will begin on July 27.   He said the four devale peraheras will be held from July 27 to August 1 with the kumbal perahera from August 1 to 5 and the grand Randoli perahera from August 6 to 10.

 

Randoli perahera  will be held on August 10 and thereafter the water cutting ceremony will take place in the morning of August 11 at the Gatambe Mahaveli river in the morning hours on August 11.

 

The Esala Perahera in Kandy held in the month of Esala is one of the oldest and grandest of all Buddhist festivals, featuring dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire-breathers, and beautifully decorated elephants

 

Esala Perahera is held to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic and the four 'guardian' Gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Pattini. The  Kandy Maligawa Perahera is followed in order by those of the Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Pattini 'devales' (temples dedicated to these Gods) situated in close proximity to the Kandy Maligawa.

 

(KH/ST)