Bellanwila perahera begins August 12

Priyanka KURUGALA

The annual Bellanwila Esala Perahera will commence on August 12 in a grand scale under the guidance of the Most Ven Bellanvila Wimalaratana Thera.

The perahera will begin from the premises of the Bellanwila Raja Maha Vihara, Perahara Committee Secretary Kesara Lal Gunasekara told the Daily News. "This time we will hold the 60th Bellanwila Esala Maha Perahera," he said. The Kap Planting ceremony will take place on August 18.

The Devadutha and Kumbal Peraheras will begin on August 21. The Flower Perahera will parade the streets on August 22, 23, 24, 25. The Pavada Perahera will be held on August 26. The Ransivili and the Randoli Peraheras will be held on August 27, 28 respectively.The water cutting ceremony will be held at the Boralesgamuwa ferry on August 29, he said.

Most Ven Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera has requested the police not to allow mahouts who are under the influence of liquor to take part in the Perahera, he said.

The Perahera Ceremony Committee requests the public who live on either side of the streets of theperahera route to illuminate their houses and business establishments.

The Perahera Committee will supply the security and provide first aid for those coming to see the perahera.

"We have added many new dancing items to the Perahera this time and hope to hold it as a valuable cultural and religious ceremony," he noted.