Duruthu Maha Perahera in Sri Lanka – Historic Cultural Procession Held in Iconic Kelani Temple

Regarded as one of the most highly anticipated events in the Buddhist calendar the Duruthu Maha Perahera was successfully conducted from the 11th to the 16th of January this year. As an iconic religious procession which is the focus on many Sri Lanka tours as well as Sri Lanka Tailor-made vacation experiences, this year’s Kelani Perahera saw many tourists also heading to the Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihara to witness the event.

As an ancient cultural festival rooted in the Kelaniya Temple’s illustrious history the event brought together devotees from around the country. Held on the three days prior to January’s full moon Poya day cultural items such as dances and traditional performers were part of this year’s procession. A combination of three processions that begin from the Hindu shrines dedicated to the gods Vibishana, Vishnu and Kataragama the Duruthus Maha Perahera remains one of the best reasons to visit Sri Lanka in January.