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Duturthu Maha Perahera of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya
View(s):The annual Duturthu Maha Perahera of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya was held this week to coincide with the Duturthu Full Moon Poya Day. The Perahera commenced in 1927, largely due to the untiring efforts of Helana Wijewardene. It has been an annual religious and cultural event ever since.
The Kelaniya Temple is venerated by Sri Lankan Buddhists as it is said that the Buddha visited the location during his third visit to the island.
The Perahera commenced with the handing over of the relic casket to Chief Basnayake Nilame, Dhammika Attygalle by the Viharadhipathi, Ven Prof. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhitha Nayaka Thera. The Perahera was organised under the guidance of the President of Dayaka Sabha, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Hundreds of devotees, as well as foreign tourists were at the temple and along the Perahera’s route to witness the event.
Pic by Lahiru Harshana