Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera The cultural extravaganza of the capital – A Most Captivating Procession

Jorge Láscar from Australia, Kelaniya Temple, CC BY 2.0 Via Wikipedia Commons

The Duruthu Perahera is a commemoration of the start of the start of the Buddhist calendar, which occurs during the month of January, this period is known as Duruthu. These festivities take place at the historic and sacred Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya, a temple which is widely believed to have been visited by the Buddha during his final visit to Sri Lanka. The festival occurs in three stages, and during this time it is common for accommodation in Sri Lanka to fill up considerably. Even a hotel in Wattala with examples such as Pegasus Reef Hotel would see a surge in bookings.

The first day of the festival is known as the ‘Udamaluwa Perahera’ and is situated on the temple’s upper terrace. During this you’ll be able to witness elephants, fire-dancers, drummers and dancers. As spectacular as this might be, it pales when compared to the final stage, the ‘Randholi Perahera’.