Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera to be held from January 8 to 10

The annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera of the historic Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara will be held on January 8, 9 and 10, 2026, temple authorities announced.

The Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera, which dates back to 1927, was initiated largely through the efforts of renowned philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene. Over the decades, the pageant has evolved into one of Sri Lanka’s most elaborate and grand low-country religious and cultural processions. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka’s Western Province, as it commemorates the site of The Buddha’s third historic visit to the island. This sacred event is annually marked on Duruthu Poya in January with the traditional Kelani Perahera, which highlights both its religious significance and rich cultural heritage.  

The Perahera is organized under the guidance of the Chief Incumbent of Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Venerable Professor Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhita Nayaka Thero, together with the President of the Dayaka Sabha, Dr. Saman Weerasinghe.  

The ceremonial proceedings will begin with the Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Agra Maha Panditha Venerable Professor Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhita Nayaka Thero, handing over the Sacred Relic Casket to the Chief Basnayake Nilame, Dhammika Attygalle. The Dathu Perahera of The Buddha will be followed by the Devale Peraheras dedicated to God Vibeeshana, God Kataragama and God Vishnu.  

According to the schedule, the Udamaluwe Perahera will be held on January 8, the Sacred City Perahera on January 9, and the Grand Duruthu Maha Perahera on January 10. All processions will commence at 8.00 p.m.  

Temple authorities also stated that a special viewing enclosure will be arranged for foreign tourists to witness the Perahera.