Randoli perahera concludes

by S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen, Kandy South Cor.

Large crowds streamed into Kandy on Friday to witness the final Randoli perahera of the Sri Dalada Maligawa which paraded the streets of Kandy last night. The most colourful cultural and religious pageant in Asia concludes with the Day Perahera this afternoon.

Over 300,000 people and around 40 elephants participated in the fourth Randoli perahera.

The final Randoli perahera is the grandest of all peraheras.From early dawn on Friday, crowds flocked to Kandy in buses, trains, and private vehicles to witness the perahera.

A large posse of policemen maintained tight security. Hotels and guest houses in and around Kandy reported heavy bookings by local and foreign tourists.