Bellanwila Esala festival begins in August

The annual Esala Perehera of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya, founded under the auspices of the late Ven. Bellanwila Sri Somaratana Nayake Thera will commence on August 13 with the traditional weeklong pirith-chanting ceremony.

The Kap-planting ceremony to mark commencement of the festival will take place on August 16 followed by Dorakada Asna-Anushasana, Devadutha Perahera and Kumbal perahera.

The Mal Perahera will be held for four consecutive days beginning on August 20.

The traditional Pavada perehera, in which relics casket and replicas of deities are taken in procession, is scheduled for August 24 followed by the Ransivili perehera, the following day.

The final Randoli Perehera is expected to parade along Maharagama-Dehiwala Road on August 26 and reach the vihara premises via Sri Somaratana Mawatha and Vihara Mawatha at Bellanwila.

The Diyakapana (water-cutting) ceremony and Diyakapana perehera, followed by two Devadana at Boralesgamuwa and Bellanwila Vihara premises, culminates this year's festival.

This year's commemorative Bana preaching and alms-giving in memory of the late Ven. Bellanwila Sri Somaratna Nayaka Thera will take place at Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy on August 5-6.