The ‘Janaraja Perahera’ paraded the streets of Kandy yesterday evening (19) to coincide with Sri Lanka’s 75th independence anniversary.
It was held under the aegis of president Ranil Wickremesinghe and prime minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
Sri Dalada Maligawa hosted the ‘Janaraja Perahera’ after a gap of 34 years.
The procession started from ‘Magul Maduwa’ at 6.45 pm and made its way through Dalada Street, Yatinuwara Street, Kanda Street and Raja Street before returning to the temple.
It comprised cultural performances, including dancing troupes and caparisoned elephants, and carried the national emblem of Sri Lanka.
The ‘Janaraja Perahera’ was first held in 1875 to celebrate the arrival of the Duke of Wales, the son of Queen Victoria, to the then Ceylon.
The procession was also held in 1954 and in 1981 when Queen Elizabeth II visited the country as well as in 1987.
https://lankaleader.lk/news/3750-janaraja-perahera-parades-the-streets-after-34-years#sigProId2654a5488a
