The Annual Perahera Procession - 2024
The Annual Perahera Procession
The Annual Perahera Procession of Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya for 2024 was held from the 27th to the 29th of September. The procession began with the traditional planting of the “kapa” in the Vishnu Devalaya, marking the official start. This was followed by five inner processions (Ethul Perahera). Afterward, five Kumbal Peraheras were conducted, leading up to the Randoli Perahera.
The Randoli Perahera began with three processions conducted by the Gadaladeniya Vishnu Devalaya, and on the 27th of September, the fourth Randoli Perahera was jointly held by both the Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya and the Vishnu Devalaya. The sacred casket was carried by the tusker “Sinharaja,” belonging to the Sri Dalada Maligawa. The procession featured various traditional Kandyan dancers, accompanied by numerous tuskers and elephants.
On the 28th of September, during the final Randoli Perahera, the sacred casket was carried by “Pulatisi Raja,” another tusker from the Sri Dalada Maligawa. A large crowd gathered to witness the grand event.
In the early morning of the 29th of September, the traditional water-cutting ceremony was performed on the banks of the Mahaweli River at Getambe. The day Perahera was then conducted, marking the conclusion of the entire Perahera procession
