The first Kumbal Perahera of the Kandy Esala Perahera takes to the streets on Tuesday night, moving the annual pageant of the Sri Dalada Maligawa out of the temple precincts and onto Kandy’s roads for the first time this season.
Arrangements in the city have been finalised, NewsFirst reported, and spectators were already gathering along the route. Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela briefed reporters on the first Kumbal Perahera.
Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta said all necessary facilities have been provided for those travelling to watch the procession.
The schedule ahead
The Kumbal Perahera runs for five nights from Tuesday. The Randoli Perahera begins on August 23 and continues to August 27, and the festival concludes with the daytime procession and the traditional water-cutting ceremony on August 28.
The season opened on August 13 with the Kap planting ceremony, followed by five days of internal processions at the Natha, Vishnu, Pattini and Kataragama devales.
Security and access
A special security and traffic management plan announced on Monday is now in force, Ada Derana reported. Police said arrangements cover roadblocks and deployed personnel, vehicle and personal checks, guidance for tourists and parking management throughout the Perahera period.
Officers have urged motorists and members of the public travelling to Kandy to follow the designated traffic arrangements and cooperate with those on duty.
Nearly 8,000 personnel have been assigned to the pageant, and police have opened a real-time information system for the public, reachable through the Sri Lanka Police website. Liquor outlets across parts of Kandy close for the 11 days of the festival, beginning Tuesday.
