| During the past 10 days, thousands of devotees and foreign and local tourists viewed the Perahera.
Today, after the water cutting ceremony at the Getambe ferry, the Day Perahera will commence from the Ganadevi Kovil, making its way to the Adahana Maluwa, where the Golden Casket had been placed overnight.
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| Pic by Sanka Vidanagma |
After the Perahera had thrice circled the Maligawa square, the Diyawadana Nilame and the Basnayake Nilames are expected to report to the President that the Perahera has been successfully concluded.
This time around 100 elephants took part in the Perahera.
The Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, the Maha Vishnu Devale Basnayake Nilame Mohan Pannabokke, the Natha Devale Basnayake Nilame Ananda Heenkenda, the Kataragama Devale Basnayake Nilame M.B. Wekadapola, the Pathini Devale Basnayake Nilame Rohan Paranagama and the Basnayake Nilames of Provincial Devales or Pitisara Devales, took part in the Perahera.
It is also expected that presentations would be made by the President to those artistes who had participated in the Perahera, and chosen by a panel of judges appointed for this purpose.
Proceeds from the sale of viewing stands erected along the route of the Perahera amounted to as much as Rs. 25,000. The Kandy Municipal Council (KMC) itself sold on tender, the front verandah of Queen's Hotel which it owns, as a viewing area for Rs 4.1 million.
The seats inside the Mahamaluwa are free, as they are by invitation of the Sri Dalada Maligawa.
Several other locations were also sold to both foreigners and local devotees at exorbitant rates. Though the Kandy Perahera Trust Fund is the sole authority for the collection of a percentage of the monies from the sale of the seats, it is doubtful whether the real price is indicated by those marketing the seats.
Vel chariot makes journey back to Sri Kathir Velayuda Swami Kovil tomorrow
The annual Hindu Vel Festival in Colombo is being conducted with the participation of hundreds of devotees.
The festival began last Thursday with special poojas being conducted at the Sri Sammankodu Sri Kathir Velayuda Swami Kovil at Sea Street, Pettah.
The festival is held to celebrate the triumph of Lord Murugan over evil powers.
An elaborately decorated chariot carrying a statue of Lord Murugan is drawn by a pair of bulls from the Kovil to the Bambalapitiya Kovil and the festivities will culminate tomorrow with the chariot returning to the Sri Sammankodu Sri Kathir Velayuda Swami Kovil.
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