Bellanwila Esala Maha perahera festival from August 14-31

by Rohana Jayalal

The 64th annual Esala Maha Perahera Festival of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Vihara will commence on August 14 on a grand scale, under the guidance of the Chief Incumbent of the temple, the Most Ven Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera.

According to Esala Maha Perahera committee ,The series of religious programs will commence on August14. To mark the commemoration of the late Most Ven Sri Somarathana Thera who initiated the Bellanwila Esala Maha Perahera in August 1950., a series of Dhamma Desanas will be held from August 14 to 16.

The Sathi Pirith chanting will be initiated on August 17.The Kap Planting ceremony will take place on August 20.

The Dhorakada Asna Program and ancient customs and traditions, the Devadutha Perahera and Kumbal perahera will commence on August 23. The Mal perahera will parade the streets from August 24 to 27.

The Pavada Perahera will be held on August 28. The Ransivili and the Randoli Peraheras will follow on August 29 and 30 .

The pageant will conclude with the water cutting ceremony and alms giving for gods (Deva Dana) at the Boralesgamuwa, Aththidiya- ferry on August 31.