Sri Lanka, July 8 -- The Kandy Esala procession, considered the great cultural festival of the Sinhalese, will commence on August 13, following the planting of 'Kap' at the four major Devalayas during an auspicious time.

This was announced by Chief Custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Pradeep Nilanga Dela.

The planting of 'Kap' is scheduled to take place facing the northern direction at the auspicious time of 6:17 a.m. on the 13th at the four major Devalayas, namely Natha, Vishnu, Katharagama, and Paththini.

Following this ritual, the Devala processions will be held for five days from August 13 to 17.

The first Kumbal procession will parade the streets on August 18, marking the commencement of the street parades of the K...