Duruthu Perahera – Kelaniya

Duruthu Perahera – Kelaniya

The parade marks the visit of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka. This perahera celebrates the invitation of the Lord Buddha to preach at Kelaniya, by the ruling king of that time (523 BC). Later a temple was constructed at this very spot. Over time the temple was destroyed by the Portuguese, however today the temple stands tall over the Kelaniya River and is visited by thousands of devotees. The magnificent Duruthu pageant is held at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara on the first full moon day of the year, and is punctuated with a spectacularly adorned procession of elephants and traditional dancers moving to the cascading drum beats.

For further information about the famous Duruthu Perahera please visit the link below:
www.kelaniyatemple.com/perahera