Duruthu Perahera in Kelaniya – A Procession of Lights and Pulsating Energy

In January every year, the Kelaniya Rajamaha Temple organizes a cultural parade with a religious fervour called the ‘Duruthu Perahera’ which traverses the streets of Kelaniya. The parade is a continuation of an ancient tradition of the paradise isle, made up of traditional dances and folk music to the pulsating beat of drums. The complete event comprises three different processions including one featuring relics of Lord Buddha. During the set time period these vibrant processions move across the streets of Kelaniya lighting up the way and bringing a magical quality to the locale.

As Kelaniya is only a 10 kilometre drive from the commercial capital, if you’re staying at a Colombo city hotel such as the well placed Jetwing Colombo Seven, you could easily drive to Kelaniya to watch the annual Duruthu Perahera. To best witness the spectacular processions, local and foreign visitors usually flock near the Kelaniya Rajamaha Temple premises flanked by the soothing presence of the Kelaniya River.