Sri Lanka, Jan. 7 -- The annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera of the historic Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara will be held on January 8, 9 and 10, 2026, temple authorities announced.

The Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera, which dates back to 1927, was initiated largely through the efforts of renowned philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene. Over the decades, the pageant has evolved into one of Sri Lanka's most elaborate and grand low-country religious and cultural processions.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka's Western Province, as it commemorates the site of The Buddha's third historic visit to the island. This sacred event is annually marked on Duruthu Poya in January with the traditional Kelani P...