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The Tradition
The Duruthu Perahera has taken place since 1927 and celebrates
the Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka more than 2,500 years
ago
The Venue
This popular festival is organized every year in January,
at the sacred Kelaniya Temple, located just 8 km out side
Colombo
The Festival
The colorful festivities during this period are marked
by three perahera (processions) featuring elegantly costumed
actors, dancers, musicians, devotees dressed in white and
beautifully decorated elephants.
The first procession (perahera), known as Udamaluwa Perahera,
starts with several rituals like the handing over of a secret
casket. The beginning of the procession is announced by fireworks
and the casket is carefully placed on a colorful seat. This
procession starts from the sacred temple.
In the second procession, known as Pahathamaluwa Perahera,
the main attraction are the elephants carrying the casket
and divine symbol.
Randoli Perahera, the third procession, marks the climax
of the festival. It is held on the day prior to the January
full moon.
In addition to the festival spree the sacred temple at
Kelaniya itself is worth visiting. The temple is also famous
for its image of Buddha and paintings depicting important
events in the life of the Buddha. The subject matter of these
paintings is from Jataka stories.
India Sri Lanka Tours offers information on Duruthu Perahera
and online booking for Sri Lanka Tours. To book your tour
or for more information please fill the form given below.
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