The Kandy Esala festival of the Sri Dalada Maligawa concluded on August 31 after the Custodian of the sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa, Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara, along with the Basnayake Nilames of the four Hindu Temples (Devales), officially present the Sannasa, the traditional communication of successful conclusion of the Kandy Esala Perahera, to the Head of State, President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President’s House in Kandy.
The Day Perehera and the traditional water cutting ritual (Diya Kapeeme Mangalyaya) was held in the morning.
The President also recognised the artistes and performers who took part in the Perahera and presented them with awards.
The festival, which began on August 21, attracted over a million devotees, pilgrims and foreign visitors to the hill capital of Kandy. Attendance exceeded over 300,000 on some days. It was also livestreamed around the world and telecast on local TV. The Esala Perahera is one of Asia’s best-known cultural and religious events.
Pix by Sulochana Gamage
