2026 Esala Maha Perahera officially announced

Announcing the 2026 annual Esala Maha Perahera

By L.B. Senarartne

Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela announced the date when the 2026 Esala Maha Perahera would be held after meeting  the District Secretary as customary. 

According to the Diyawadana Nilame Dela, the “Kap” brought from Aluthnuwara Dedimunda Devalaya premises would be planted at the four Devales of gods Maha Vishnu, Natha, Kataragama and the goddess Paththini on August 13 at 6.12 am. From then on, the Perahera would be conducted within the premises, including the Sri Dalada Maligawa.

On  Tuesday 18,  the first Perahera would take to the street at the auspicious hour of 5.30  pm led by Natha Devalaya as the “Kumbal” procession,  followed by the other Devales and the Sri Dalada Maligawa taking the rear,  followed by the tusker of the Sri Dalada Maligawa carrying the Golden Karanduwa and followed by the Diyawadana nilame.  The route would be short.

The  procession would take to the streets from then on till  August 23 as “Kumbal” Perahera  commencing at 6.28 pm.

Then on  August 23 the glamorous “Randoli” Perahera would take to the streets commencing at 6.21 pm.

The 2026 annual perahera will be concluded when  the Diyawadana Nilame reports to the President that the ceremonies have been concluded.