The Sri Dalada Esala Perahera of the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is scheduled to commence on July 25, Diyawadana Nilame (Chief Custodian of Sri Dalada Maligawa) Pradeep Nilanga Dela has confirmed.
The annual Kandy Perahera will commence with the ‘Kap planting’ ritual at the four main devalayas which will be followed by the five-day process of Ethul Perahera.
Following five days of internal processions within the devalayas, this year’s first Kumbal Perahera will take to the streets on July 30.
Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela said the Kumbal Perahera will take place for five days while the first Randoli Perahera will commence on August 4.
The final Randoli Perahera is scheduled to parade the streets on the Nikini Full Moon Poya Day (August 8) night.
Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela made this announcement during a discussion held today to finalize and announce the dates of the Kandy Esala Perahera.
During the meeting, the Diyawadana Nilame and the Basnayake Nilames of the four main devalayas highlighted that the decline in the number of domesticated elephants poses a significant challenge to the successful organization of the Perahera.
It was revealed that while there were around 200 tamed elephants in the country a few years ago, the number has now dropped to approximately 90.
