Navam Perahera Lights Up Colombo

Sri Lanka, home to diverse cultures, has a long history of colourful pageants which adds vibrancy to its already rich rhythm. Throughout the year, there is a festival celebrated - be it a national, religious or a cultural one - and the local public throng to the site in their colourful, excited multitudes to enjoy the sights and sounds. The perahera (or the Procession) is one of the most exciting events in the local events’ calendar and it was an occasion of entertainment for the public.

Words : Lakmini Wijemanne

At the same time, the perahera acts as a natural theater of traditional arts which educates and entertains the general public. “Navam Perahera”, which was initiated in 1979, is organised by the Gangaramaya Vihara Temple in Colombo and is one of the magnificent processions - second only to the majestic Kandy Perahera -  that light-up the streets of Colombo in the month of February every year. In Colombo’s annual events calendar, the Navam Perahera is marked as a “must see”. This year the dates were fixed as 31st January and 1st  February, 2026. All around the temple and the streets where the procession moved was a hive of activity. The temple and its immediate surroundings were cleaned and cleared, and rows of seats were arranged on the pavements for the spectators to sit and enjoy the sight. Hundreds of artists took part in the perahera performing various traditional dances and providing drum music for the dancers and of course, for the elephants as well!