Duruthu Perahera Date: January 30
Duruthu Perahera is a public holiday in Sri Lanka.
Second on to the Kandy Esala Perahera, Duruthu Perahera celebrates the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka. During this trip, he visited the Kelaniya temple near Colombo.
History of Duruthu Perahera
The celebrations consist of three procession, on the nights preceding the full moon, also called the poya. Whip-crackers lead each procession, followed by fire-ball performers, drummers, dancers and costumed performers. Decorated elephants parade between each of the groups, including, most spectacularly, an enormous tusker treading a special white carpet.
Duruthu Perahera Traditions, Customs and Activities
Hundreds of thousands of people attend the parades, with each one being more colorful and spectacular than the last — if you can make only one procession, go for the final one, head the night before the full moon.
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