Kandy Esala Perahera from August 9 onwards, with COVID guidelines in mind
Health authorities and Maligawa officials to make decision on allowing devotees within the perahera areas soon
The Malwatta Maha Vihare Anunayake, Venerable Dimbu lkumure Dhammakeerthi Thera, said in a recent sermon that people need to abide by the health authorities' COVID restrictions, during the Kandy Esala Perahera. The Thera said the country should not face a similar crisis like on Sinhala and Tamil New Year day.
He also said there were instances during the British regime when the perahera was put on hold, but the rituals continued within the Sri Dalada Maligawa.
"Devotees are keen to show their children the first kumbal perahera as they believe in its blessings," he said.
"The only alternative is to watch the perahera on TV, which will also give the children an opportunity to witness the occasion," he added.
A meeting was also called by District Secretary Chandana Tennakoon to discuss the arrangements for the Kandy Esala Perahera. The DS inquired on how the state authorities could help with arrangments for the 11- day Kandy Esala Perahera.
The conduct of the perahera is the prerogative of the Diyawadana Nilame and he alone is responsible for the conduct of the perahera. The Diyawadana Nilame formally announced the dates for the Kandy Esala Perahera this week. On August 9, the ' kap' would be planted at the four devales at 1.09 a.m. From this date onwards peraheras would be held within the four devales and the Sri Dalada Maligawa for five days.
The kumbal perahera would be held from August 13 to August 17. Randoli will begin on August 18 and will end on August 22, the final night of Esala poya. On August 23, the day perahera would be held and on the same day the Diyawadana Nilame and the Basnayake Nilames are scheduled to present the 'sannasa' and successfully conclude the Esala Perahera.
The meeting between the DS, the health authorities and priests of the Maligawa was held at the Sri Dalada Maligawa auditorium. Tri-Forces representatives, Police officers, Kandy Municipal Council representatives and the Basnayake Nilames of the four devales were also present at the meeting.
Diyawadana Nilame Praeep Nilanga Dela told the Sunday Times there was still time for a conferment of the Perahera in consultation with the health authorities. He said they had not decided yet if devotees would be allowed within the Perahera area.
Heath authorities present at the meeting conveyed the number of patients who had fallen ill and the number of patients who had passed away from COVID within the Kandy District, and also the areas that had been quarantined. They said the Health Services Director General would be consulted on this issue before the next meeting between the Diyawadana Nilame and the DS.