The historical Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy will host a Janaraja Perahera today (Feb 19), after a space of 34 years.The procession, arranged to coincide with the 75th self-reliance event, will be inaugurated under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.According to the Coordinating Officer and the Cultural Officer of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the procession will start from the Magul Maduwa properties at 6.30 p.m.

today.It will parade Dalada Street, Yatinuwara Street, Kanda Street, Raja Street, and return to the temple, marking completion of the event.The organizers have made preparations to make the Janaraja Perahera vibrant, with cultural efficiencies, including dancing soldiers, and caparisoned elephants, similar to the yearly Esala Perahara.However, unlike the Kandy Esala Perahara, the Dalada Karandwa (the coffin consisting of the spiritual relics) will not be carried on a tusker at the Janaraja Perahera.

Rather, the national symbol of Sri Lanka will be brought, the Presidents Media Division (PMD) mentioned.The Janaraja Perahera goals to promote the tourist industry, according to the PMD.The Janaraja Perahera was very first arranged in 1875 to commemorate the arrival of the Duke of Wales, the boy of Queen Victoria, to Ceylon.

The procession was also kept in 1954 when Queen Elizabeth II, the then-Head of State of Sri Lanka, checked out the country.

The Queen enjoyed the Janaraja Perahera from the Patthirippuwa.

In 1981, a similar procession was held, and Queen Elizabeth II watched the procession from a special platform integrated in the Maha Maluwa, the primary courtyard.The Temple of the Tooth Relic just arranges unique processions like the Janaraja Perahera at the demand of the government on significant events in the country.

The last time the Janaraja Perahera was held was in 1987 by the then Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa.Meanwhile, an unique traffic arrangement remains in location in Kandy this evening in view of the Janaraja Perahera.

According to this traffic strategy, carried out from 5.00 p.m.

tomorrow until the end of the procession, traffic will be diverted far from Dalada Street, Yatinuwara Street, Raja Street and Kanda Street.Accordingly, drivers are asked for to use alternative paths throughout this period to prevent any inconveniences.