The historic Kandy Esala Perahera was ceremonially brought to an end this morning (28) with the traditional water-cutting ritual held at the Gatambe ferry point.
The final Randoli Perahera of this year’s Kandy Esala Perahera Festival successfully paraded through the streets of Kandy last night (27).
Following the return of the processions of the four major devales — Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Pattini — to their respective shrines, religious observances were conducted before the processions proceeded along Katukele Street towards the Mahaweli River at Gatambe.
The traditional water-cutting ceremony was then performed according to longstanding customs and rituals. Following the ceremony, the procession proceeded to the Ganadevi Kovil in Kandy before making its way to the Gedige Rajamaha Viharaya.
After the ceremonial return of the procession, Diyawadana Nilame and the Basnayake Nilames of the four major devales are scheduled to proceed in procession to the Presidential Palace.
There, the official message informing the President of the successful conclusion of the Esala Perahera Festival is expected to be handed over.
The Kandy Esala Perahera Festival will officially conclude following the presentation of awards to artists who demonstrated outstanding performances during this year’s pageant.
