The Annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera will be held from Jan 09 to 11. The perahera commenced in1927, due largely to the efforts of that great Philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helana Wijewardene Lamathani.
Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya is the most sacred temple in the Western Province of Sri Lanka since the Buddha’s sojourn here during his 3rd historic visit to Sri Lanka. It celebrates this event annually in the Duruthu Poya during January by conducting the traditional cultural pageant, the Kelani Perahera.
Whilst the Kelani Perahera commemorates the religious significance of the Buddha’s visit, it also supports and revives Sri Lanka’s cultural tradition.
The Perahera will commence with the handing over of the relic casket to Chief Basnayake Nilame, Dhammika Attygalle by the Viharadhipathi, Ven Prof. Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangharakkita Nayake Thera. This time the Perahera is organised under the guidance of the President Dayaka Sabha Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe.
There are three Devala Peraheras followed after the main Sacred Relics Perehera. They are — Lord Vibishana, Lord Vishnu and Lord Kataragama. The Basnayake Nilame’s of the respective devala perahera’s are M/s. Lalith Hapangama, Jayaraja Chandrasekera and Samantha Perera.
The Perahera will commence at 8.00 pm. This year too a special effort is being made to focus on Tourists eager to acquaint themselves with the majesty and splendour of Sri Lanka’s cultural facets such as this Historic Perahera. There will be a special enclosure for tourists to view the perahera with association with Sri Lanka Tourist Board.
During the Duruthu Festival, Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihara premises illumination will be sponsored by Thilakawardene Textiles, Kiribathgoda.
