The second Kumbal Perahera of the historic Kandy Esala Perahera will parade the streets today (19).

The second Kumbal Perahera will commence at the auspicious time of 6:41 p.m.

The procession will begin from the Sri Dalada Maligawa and proceed along Dalada Veediya, D.S. Senanayake Veediya and Raja Veediya before returning to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Sri Lanka Police have implemented a special security and traffic management plan for the procession, including roadblocks, security checks, traffic diversions, vehicle and pedestrian inspections, visitor guidance and designated parking arrangements.

Traffic arrangements

Heavy vehicles travelling from Katugastota towards Kandy will be directed from Mahaiyawa Junction along Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha via Police Junction towards Kandy.

Light vehicles approaching from Katugastota can travel along D.S. Senanayake Veediya, turn onto Cross Street and proceed to Yatinuwara Veediya before turning right and travelling via the area near Meera Maccam Mosque towards Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha.

Vehicles travelling out towards Katugastota will be directed from Police Junction along Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha towards Mahaiyawa.

Vehicles arriving from Tennekumbura and Ampitiya will be directed along Sangaraja Mawatha to Wales Park Junction and then along Ehelepola Kumarihami Mawatha towards Bogambara and the Railway Station area.

Vehicles travelling towards Colombo will use the left side of the relevant route, while those travelling towards Kandy city will use the right side.

Access to Kandy city will also be possible from Rajapihilla Mawatha Junction via Mosque Road.

Vehicles travelling from Kandy towards Ampitiya and Teldeniya can proceed from the Clock Tower roundabout along Dalada Veediya, pass the side entrance of the Queen's Hotel and continue via the area beyond the Joy Boat service along Sangaraja Mawatha.

Vehicles can also travel towards Ampitiya and Tennekumbura via Ehelepola Kumarihami Mawatha, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Wales Park Junction and Sangaraja Mawatha.

Those travelling between Colombo and Kandy can use William Gopallawa Mawatha and the Old Peradeniya Road in both directions.

Perahera festivities continue

The 1716th Kandy Esala Perahera, one of Sri Lanka's most prominent cultural and religious pageants, commenced last night at the auspicious time of 6.52 p.m.

The first Kumbal Perahera featured Indi Raja, the Maligawa's ceremonial tusker, carrying the sacred casket. Miyan Raja and Kotte Raja walked on either side as the traditional tuskers accompanying the procession.

Large crowds of local and foreign visitors gathered in Kandy to witness the colourful procession, which featured a wide range of traditional dances and cultural performances.

The Kumbal Perahera will continue until August 22, after which the Randoli Perahera will commence on August 23.

The Kandy Esala Perahera, organised annually by the Sri Dalada Maligawa, is scheduled to continue through August 28.