Less crowds, more restrictions at this year’s Kandy Esala Perahera

The Kandy Esala Maha Perahera began at yesterday with Indiri Raja carrying the golden karanduwa. It will continue until August 4.

The water cutting ceremony will take place at Getambe temple on Augsut 4 early in the morning. It will be followed by the day Perahera.

The Randoli Perahera will begin on July 30, after the conclusion of the Kumbal Perahera on July 29.

At 6 pm yesterday, the entire route for the first Kumbal Perahera was cordoned off by policemen on foot and horseback, so only pass-holders could enter the area. Earlier in the day, the streets were cleaned by the Kandy municipality.

On the final night of the Perahera, when the Pulliyar Kovil's representatives would proceed for rituals within the Sri Dalada Maligawa, only ten people would be given entry into the Maligawa in accordance with health guidelines.

Senior Police Superintendent Sudath Marasinghe and District Secretary Tissa Karunaratne expressed regret for not being able to allow devotees and others to enter the area where the Perahera would take place. They said it could be viewed on television as provided by the Sri Dalada Maligawa authorities.

The water supplied to dancers and drummers in the Perahera would also be restricted. Volunteers would be at ten locations with sealed water cups. Afterwards the empty cups would be collected by another volunteer, and another would throw them away in a disposable bag.