The first Kumbal Perahera of the historic Kandy Esala Perahera will take to the streets tomorrow (18), according to Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela.
The annual procession began on August 13 with the traditional Kap Situweema ceremony at the four Devales dedicated to Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Pattini. The ceremony was held at 6.17 a.m. under an auspicious time, with the Kap planted facing north.
Following the Kap Situweema, internal processions have been held at the four Devales for five consecutive days, from August 13 to today (17).
The fifth and final Kumbal Perahera will take place on August 22, after which the spectacular Randoli Perahera will begin. The Randoli processions are scheduled to be held from August 23 to 27.
The final Randoli Maha Perahera will conclude on August 27, which falls on the Nikini Full Moon Poya Day. Following the procession, the sacred casket will be ceremonially taken to the Asgiriya Gedige Rajamaha Viharaya and placed there according to ancient traditions.
Meanwhile, the processions of the four Devales will proceed to the Getambe Diya Kapana Thota, where the traditional water-cutting ceremony will be held in the early hours of August 28.
The Kandy Esala Perahera festival will officially conclude with the daytime procession on August 28, the Diyawadana Nilame said.
Meanwhile, around 8,000 members of the Police and other security forces are expected to be deployed to ensure security during the festival.
The security deployment will include approximately 6,200 police officers, 564 members of the Police Special Task Force and 1,200 personnel from the three armed forces, along with a contingent of Civil Security Department personnel.
Police canine and mounted units will also be deployed as part of the security arrangements.
Inspector General of Police Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya visited Kandy on August 15 to brief the Mahanayake Theras on the security arrangements planned for the Perahera.
A special traffic management plan will also be implemented in and around Kandy during the festival period. Police have established 13 parking areas for visitors.
In addition, 14 roadblocks will be set up at key entry points to Kandy, including the Katugastota, Peradeniya and Tennekumbura bridges. Police will conduct emergency checks at these locations as part of the enhanced security arrangements.
