Kandy Esala Perahera to Commence August 13 with Kapa Planting

The historic Kandy Esala Perahera festival will officially commence on August 13 with the auspicious Kapa planting ceremony. This ritual will take place at 6:17 AM at the four Maha Devalayas: Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini. Following the Kapa planting, internal Peraheras will be conducted for five days, from August 13 to 17. The first Kumbal Perahera is scheduled for August 18, concluding on August 22. The first Randoli Perahera will parade on August 23, with the final Randoli Perahera on August 27, followed by the day Perahera on August 28. Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela confirmed these dates, adding that the Perahera Sanideshaya (message) confirming the successful completion of the festival will be handed over to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.