KELANIYA DURUTHU PERAHERA 2020

The Annual Duruthu Perahera of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara culminates today January 9, being the final day of the annual pageant which commenced on January 7. The historic Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera had its origins in the year 1927, due largely to the efforts of that great Philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helena Wijewardene Lamathani of Sedawatte.   

This Religious Cultural pageant has evolved over the years to become the country’s most elaborate and grandest low country pageant in its category. Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihara is the most sacred temple in the Western Province of Sri Lanka since Lord Buddha’s sojourn here during his 3rd historic visit to Sri Lanka. This event is celebrated annually on the “Duruthu Poya” in January, when a historic, traditional and cultural pageant, the “Kelani Perahera” is conducted. Whilst the Kelani Perahera commemorates the religious significance of Lord Buddha’s visit, it also supports and revives Sri Lanka’s cultural traditions of drummers, dancers, singers, caparisoned elephants and colourful parades, which have always made this culminating perahera a night of all nights.   

The Perahera will commence with the handing over the relic casket to Chief Basnayake Nilame, Dhammika Attygalle by the Viharadhipathi, Ven Professor Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangharakkita Nayake Thera.   

The Annual Duruthu Perahera of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara culminates today January 9, being the final day of the annual pageant which commenced on January 7

The Peraheras of the three devalas dedicated to Lord Vibishana, Lord Vishnu and Lord Kataragama is followed by the main Sacred Relics Perehera. The Basnayake Nilames of the respective devalas are Messrs. Lalith Hapangama, Jayaraja Chandrasekera and Samantha Perera. The Perahera is organised under the guidance of Ven Professor Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangharakkita Nayake Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara and Dr. Saman Weerasinghe the newly elected president of Vihara’s Dayaka Sabha.   

The Perahera will commence at 8.00 p.m. Arrangements have been made in association with the Sri Lanka Tourist Promotions Bureau and Tourist Development Authority for tourists eager to acquaint themselves with the majesty and splendour of Sri Lanka’s cultural facets such as this Historic Perahera, by having a special enclosure for them to view the Perahera.   

The illumination of the premises of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihara is sponsored by Mr Sunil Thilakawardane, Chairman, Thilakawardane Textiles, Kiribathgoda.