Kataragama Esala Maha Perahera 2025 Commencement

• The historic Ruhunu Kataragama Esala Maha Perahera officially begins today, June 26, 2025. The perahera ceremonies will continue until July 10, 2025, featuring the traditional processions and religious observances at the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya7.

New Regulations Announced

• Ahead of this year’s perahera, new regulations are set to be gazetted to ensure the smooth conduct of the festivities. These measures are intended to address safety, crowd management, and the preservation of cultural practices during the event8.

Environmental Impact

• Last year’s Kataragama Perahera generated a significant amount of waste, with the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) reporting the collection of 1,500 tons of solid waste during the festival. This highlights ongoing concerns about environmental management during large-scale religious events6.

Recent Perahera Events

• In addition to the Esala Perahera, the Kataragama New Year Perahera was held in April 2025, drawing crowds and maintaining the tradition of vibrant processions and cultural performance