The much-anticipated Gangaramaya Temple’s 48th annual Nawam Perahera is being held in Colombo. The vibrant cultural procession that is being held today and tomorrow has been held since 1979.
Thousands of tourists and Sri Lankans lined the streets to watch dozens of gaily decorated elephants make their way through downtown Colombo this evening, escorted by hundreds of traditional drummers and dancers in an annual parade.
The perahera, which is the traditional procession, includes several rituals and Poojas being held over the last week ultimately leading to the grand spectacle on the two days. Gangaramaya Temple’s Chief Incumbent Most Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero thanked India for the support lent for the Perahera as well as the Devnimori relics that are scheduled for exposition next week.
The Nawam Perahera is held on the Nawam Poya day which signifies the appointment of Arahath Sariputta and Arahath Moggallana as the Chief Disciples of Lord Buddha.
