The traditional Kap planting ceremony of the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa Esala Perahera in Kandy was held this morning (13), marking the commencement of this year’s Esala Perahera festivities.
The ceremony took place at the auspicious time of 6.17 a.m.
Following the Kap planting ritual, internal processions will be held at the four main devales — Natha, Vishnu, Pattini and Kataragama — for five days, from today until August 17.
The first Kumbal Perahera will take to the streets on August 18 and will continue until August 22.
The first Randoli Perahera is scheduled to begin on August 23, with the grand final Randoli Perahera set to be held on August 27.
The Diya Kepeema ceremony and the daytime procession will be held on August 28, marking the final day of the festivities.
Following the completion of the rituals, the Diyawadana Nilame is scheduled to present the traditional Perahera epistle to the President at the President’s House in Kandy that afternoon.
The presentation will formally mark the conclusion of this year’s Kandy Esala Perahera.
