The historic Sri Dalada Maligawa Esala Perahera in Kandy has officially commenced with the traditional Kap planting ceremony, signalling the start of a month-long series of religious rituals and processions.
The ceremonial planting of the Kap, a sacred ritual marking the beginning of the Kandy Esala Perahera, took place on the morning of August 13 at 6:17 a.m., officially launching this year's festivities. This ancient ceremony serves as the foundation for the elaborate religious and cultural celebrations that will unfold over the coming weeks.
Following the Kap planting, internal processions will commence at the four principal devales—Natha, Vishnu, Pattini, and Kataragama—continuing daily through August 17. These preliminary ceremonies precede the main public processions and allow the custodians of these temples to participate in the sacred observances.
The public phase of the Perahera will begin with the first Kumbal Perahera taking to the streets on August 18, running through August 22. This will be followed by the first Randoli Perahera on August 23, with the grandest Randoli Perahera scheduled for August 27. The festivities will conclude on August 28 with the Diya Kepeema ceremony and daytime procession.
The formal conclusion of the celebrations will occur when the Diyawadana Nilame, the chief custodian of the sacred relic, presents the traditional Perahera epistle to the President at the President's House in Kandy, officially marking the end of this year's observances.
