Dalada Maligawa Marks Start of Esala Perahera with Ancient Ceremony

COLOMBO (News 1st); The historic Esala Perahera festival at the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) officially commenced this morning with the traditional Kap Situweema or the Kap erecting ceremony.

The ritual signifies the beginning of the inner temple processions, which will now take place daily leading up to the grand public parades.

In preparation for the festival, the ceremonial cutting of the 'Kap' was carried out yesterday (24) morning at the Aluthnuwara Dedimunda Devalaya, in accordance with age-old customs. 

The ritual was led by Chief Basnayake Nilame of the Vishnu Devalaya, Mahinda Ratwatte.

Following the cutting, the sacred 'Kap' was transported to Kandy in a traditional procession, carried by the revered elephant Sura Nimala.

As per ancient tradition, the 'Kap' was then divided and distributed among the four main devalayas associated with the Perahera: Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini. 

The ceremonial delivery of the 'Kap' to each devalaya was accompanied by processions featuring elephants and traditional drummers, adding grandeur to the spiritual proceedings.

With today’s Kap Situweema, the Esala Perahera festivities have officially begun. 

The inner temple processions will continue daily, culminating in the grand Kandy Esala Maha Perahera, scheduled to take place from July 30 to August 9.