Grand Randoli Perahera tonight

The final Randoli Perahera (the Grand Randoli Procession) of the annual Kandy Esala Perahera will parade the streets of Kandy tonight (30).

The most awaited Perahera is scheduled to begin at the auspicious time of 7.03 pm and the procession will commence from Dalada Veediya (Ward Street), Yatinuwara Veediya, E.L.Senanayake Veediya, Kande Veediya (Hill Street), D.S.Senanayake Veediya, Raja Veediya and return to Dalada Maligawa.

Wasana, the Royal tusker of Kataragama will be carrying the Sacred Relic Casket with Dalada Maligawa Royal Tusker Sinha-Raja and Kelaniya Temple’s Kandula in the tusker group.

This year's grand event will be paraded amidst wet weather conditions. Cultural offerings ranging from up-country dances to hewisi, flag bearers, whip-crackers, fire-balls, traditional music and singing will be a part of today's Perahera. 

The Media Bureau of the Dalada Maligawa said unlike previous years, this year a large number of foreign tourists with their children and locals have arrived in Kandy to witness the Kandy Esala Perahera festival. 

Last year’s final Randoli Maha Perahera was viewed online from 120 countries and the live broadcast was given in ten languages.

The annual Esala festival’s traditional water cutting ritual will be held in the Mahaweli River at Getambe on August 31 morning (2.39 am). The Day Perahera will be held on August 31.

The end of the Perahera will be marked with the Diyawadana Nilame handing over the Sannasa to President Wickremesinghe declaring the completion of the Esala Perahera.