The Annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara will be held today.
The historic Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera had its origins in 1927, due largely to the efforts of Philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helena Wijewardene of Sedawatte.
This religious and cultural pageant has evolved over the years to become the country’s most elaborate and grandest low country pageant.
The Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya is the most sacred temple in the Western Province since the Buddha’s sojourn here during his 3rd historic visit to Sri Lanka. It celebrates this event annually in the “Duruthu Poya” during January by conducting a historic, traditional and cultural pageant, the “Kelani Perahera”.
This year’s Perahera is restricted to Udamaluwa of the Kelaniya Temple due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The Perahera is organised under the guidance of Chief Bhikkhu of Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihara Venerable Professor Mahinda Sangarakkitta Nayaka Thera
The Perahera will commence with Chancellor of Kelaniya University Agra Maha Panditha Ven. Prof. Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangarakkitta Nayaka Thera handing over the Sacred Relic Casket to Chief Basnayake Nilame Dhammika Attygalle at 7.00 p.m.