Duruthu Maha Perahera of Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya

The Annual Duruthu Perehara of Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya held yesterday, 16th January with the guidance of the Chief Incumbent of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, Chancellor of Kelaniya University Agra Maha Panditha Venerable Professor Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangharakkita Nayake Thero.

This great pageant popularly known as “Kelani Perahera” was first inaugurated in 1927 and this religious festival annually held at the temple to commemorate the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka in the month of Duruthu or January.

Due to the prevailing Covid Pandemic situation this years Perahera is restricted to Udamaluwa of the Kelaniya Temple. As the Chairman of the "Dayaka Sabha" Dr. Saman Weerasinghe also attended to this religious festival yesterday. .

The Sacred Kelaniya Temple plays historical significance due to the Buddh’a third visit to this religious premises. Sri Lanka’s Buddhist Calendar opens with Duruthu Perehara Festival at the sacred Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya.