Sri Lanka, June 23 -- This year's Kandy Esala Perahera Festival will commence on July 25 with the traditional Kap Situweema (planting of the ceremonial jak tree branch) at the four main devalayas - (Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini) according to Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela.

The ritual will be held facing the north at exactly 6:05 am on July 25.

Diyawadana Nilame Dela made this announcement during a discussion held on Thursday (19) at the Ran Avuda Mandapa Chamber of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa). The meeting was convened to finalise the dates of the street processions and related organisational arrangements.

Following five days of Devale Peraheras (inhouse processions), the first Kumbal Per...