Kandy Esala Perahera concludes with traditional water-cutting ceremony

The water-cutting ceremony (Diya Kepeema), held to mark the ritualistic conclusion of the historic Kandy Esala Perahera, was conducted this morning (28) at the Mahaweli River in Gatambe.

The final Randoli Perahera of the Esala Perahera festival successfully paraded through the streets last night (27).

Thereafter, the processions of the four main Devalayas—Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini—returned to their respective shrines to perform traditional religious rituals before proceeding along Katukele Street towards the Gatambe Mahaweli River.

The daytime procession is scheduled to depart from the Asgiri Gedige Raja Maha Viharaya today at 2:18 p.m., facing north, and will proceed along D.S. Senanayake Street, Pansala Road, and Deva Street before entering Raja Veediya and encircling the Sri Dalada Maligawa Square three times.

Upon the conclusion of the procession, the Diyawadana Nilame, together with the Basnayake Nilames of the four Devalayas, will proceed in procession to the President’s House.

There, the formal scroll confirming the successful completion of the Esala Perahera festival will be presented to the President.