The annual Esala Perahera of the Kollupitiya Walukarama Maha Viharaya is scheduled to parade the streets today (07) at 6:30 PM, according to Most Ven. Maharagama Nanda Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Pancha Maha Viharaya including Kollupitiya Walukarama, Chief Preceptor of the Rathmalana Vihara Chapter of the Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of the Siamopali Maha Nikaya, and Chief Sanghanayaka of the Uva Province with the Colombo District.
The Ven. Thero stated this while participating in a press conference held at the Department of Government Information (06).
He mentioned that all arrangements have been made to successfully hold the Perahera—which receives state patronage through an Act of Parliament—under the guidance of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and with the support of relevant state institutions. He also invited devout devotees to join in viewing this year's procession.
This year's Perahera will feature 28 dance items, including Kandyan, Sabaragamuwa, Low Country, folk, and Tamil dance forms, along with the participation of nearly 15 elephants and tuskers.
Ven. Udawela Kolitha Thero (MA), Officiating Chief Incumbent of Kollupitiya Walukarama, stated that this Esala Perahera, which began in 1963, has been held continuously for 63 years as one of the oldest procession festivals in the city of Colombo.
He further noted that religious programs commenced alongside this year's Perahera following the tree-planting (Kap Situvima) ceremony in July. Bodhi Pujas and Pirith chanting were held on August 1st, Mal Peraheras (flower processions) from the 2nd to the 5th, and the traditional Pawada Perahera took place within the temple premises on the 06th.
People representing various ethnicities and religions participate in this Perahera. In coordination with the Bambalapitiya Kadiresan Kovil (Vajira Kovil), the statue of Lord Ganesha and the Vel Chariot will also street-parade as part of the procession.
Viewing platforms have been prepared along Galle Road for spectators. It was also announced that Mahanama College grounds, Colombo, and one lane of R.A. de Mel Mawatha in the Bambalapitiya area have been allocated for vehicle parking facilities for the public.
The procession route, spanning approximately three kilometers, will begin at the Walukarama Temple, proceed along Galle Road through Kollupitiya Junction and Liberty Roundabout, move along R.A. de Mel Mawatha, and return to the temple.
