INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The historical Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy will host a Janaraja Perahera today (Feb 19), after a space of 34 years.The procession,
arranged to coincide with the 75th self-reliance event, will be inaugurated under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.According
to the Coordinating Officer and the Cultural Officer of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the procession will start from the Magul Maduwa
today.It will parade Dalada Street, Yatinuwara Street, Kanda Street, Raja Street, and return to the temple, marking completion of the
event.The organizers have made preparations to make the Janaraja Perahera vibrant, with cultural efficiencies, including dancing soldiers,
and caparisoned elephants, similar to the yearly Esala Perahara.However, unlike the Kandy Esala Perahara, the Dalada Karandwa (the coffin
consisting of the spiritual relics) will not be carried on a tusker at the Janaraja Perahera
Rather, the national symbol of Sri Lanka will be brought, the Presidents Media Division (PMD) mentioned.The Janaraja Perahera goals to
promote the tourist industry, according to the PMD.The Janaraja Perahera was very first arranged in 1875 to commemorate the arrival of the
Duke of Wales, the boy of Queen Victoria, to Ceylon
The procession was also kept in 1954 when Queen Elizabeth II, the then-Head of State of Sri Lanka, checked out the country
The Queen enjoyed the Janaraja Perahera from the Patthirippuwa
In 1981, a similar procession was held, and Queen Elizabeth II watched the procession from a special platform integrated in the Maha Maluwa,
the primary courtyard.The Temple of the Tooth Relic just arranges unique processions like the Janaraja Perahera at the demand of the
government on significant events in the country
The last time the Janaraja Perahera was held was in 1987 by the then Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa.Meanwhile, an unique traffic
arrangement remains in location in Kandy this evening in view of the Janaraja Perahera
According to this traffic strategy, carried out from 5.00 p.m
tomorrow until the end of the procession, traffic will be diverted far from Dalada Street, Yatinuwara Street, Raja Street and Kanda
Street.Accordingly, drivers are asked for to use alternative paths throughout this period to prevent any inconveniences.
