The water-cutting ceremony (Diya Kepeema), held to mark the ritualistic conclusion of the historic Kandy Esala Perahera, was conducted this morning (28) at the Mahaweli River in Gatambe.

The final Randoli Perahera of the Esala Perahera festival successfully paraded through the streets last night (27).

Thereafter, the processions of the four main Devalayas—Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini—returned to their respective shrines to perform traditional religious rituals before proceeding along Katukele Street towards the Gatambe Mahaweli River.

Following the customary water-cutting ceremony at the location, the procession proceeded to the Kandy Ganadevi Kovil and subsequently arrived at the Asgiri Gedige Raja Maha Viharaya.

The daytime procession is scheduled to depart from the Asgiri Gedige Raja Maha Viharaya today at 2:18 p.m., facing north, and will proceed along D.S. Senanayake Street, Pansala Road, and Deva Street before entering Raja Veediya and encircling the Sri Dalada Maligawa Square three times.

Following the procession, the Sacred Relics will enter the Dalada Maligawa at 4:01 p.m., facing north.

Upon the conclusion of the procession, the Diyawadana Nilame, together with the Basnayake Nilames of the four Devalayas, will proceed in procession to the President’s House.

There, the formal scroll confirming the successful completion of the Esala Perahera festival will be presented to the President.

Following the presentation of awards to performers who demonstrated exceptional skills during the pageant, this year’s Kandy Esala Perahera festival will officially come to an end.