Kandy Esala procession to commence on August 13

The Kandy Esala procession, considered the great cultural festival of the Sinhalese, will commence on August 13, following the planting of 'Kap' at the four major Devalayas during an auspicious time.

This was announced by Chief Custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Pradeep Nilanga Dela.

The planting of 'Kap' is scheduled to take place facing the northern direction at the auspicious time of 6:17 a.m. on the 13th at the four major Devalayas, namely Natha, Vishnu, Katharagama, and Paththini.

Following this ritual, the Devala processions will be held for five days from August 13 to 17.

The first Kumbal procession will parade the streets on August 18, marking the commencement of the street parades of the Kandy Esala festival.

Following the street parade of the fifth Kumbal procession on August 22, the colourful Randoli procession will begin.

The Randoli procession is scheduled to parade the streets from August 23 to 27.

The final Randoli procession concludes its street parade on the Nikini full moon Poya day on August 27.

After returning to the temple, the procession will proceed to the Asgiriya Gedige Adahana Maluwa Ancient Temple, where the sacred casket will be placed in accordance with ancient traditions.

Subsequently, the four major Devala processions will proceed to the Getambe Diyatota, where the water-cutting ceremony will take place during the early hours of August 28.

The Kandy Esala Perahera festival concludes after the day procession parades the streets on that afternoon.