August 18, Colombo (LNW): The first Kumbal Perahera of this year’s historic Kandy Esala Perahera will take to the streets of Kandy tonight, marking the beginning of the celebrated annual pageant centred on the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Authorities in Kandy have completed the arrangements for the opening procession, with preparations made to accommodate the large crowds expected to gather along the route.
The Kumbal Perahera will be conducted over five consecutive days beginning today, while the more elaborate Randoli Perahera is scheduled to begin on 23 August. Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela has provided details regarding the first Kumbal procession and the arrangements made for the opening of the festivities.
Large numbers of visitors have already begun making their way into the streets of Kandy in anticipation of tonight’s procession.
Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta said the authorities had put the necessary facilities in place for members of the public travelling to the city to witness the Perahera. Measures have also been taken to ensure that visitors can attend the event with minimum disruption and adequate public services.
A comprehensive security and traffic management operation is also being implemented throughout Kandy during the Perahera period. This year, 6,200 police personnel and 564 officers from the Police Special Task Force have been deployed to safeguard the festivities and manage the expected crowds.
In addition, the Police have introduced a dedicated information management system to help the public obtain essential information about the Esala Perahera, including relevant details concerning the event and associated arrangements.
Members of the public can access the system through the official Sri Lanka Police website, www.police.lk, by selecting the ‘Kandy Esala Perahera’ link.
The Randoli Perahera will continue from 23 to 27 August, forming the main sequence of the traditional pageant.
The festival will reach its conclusion with the Day Perahera on 28 August, bringing this year’s Kandy Esala Perahera to a close after several days of religious observances, traditional processions and cultural festivities.
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