About Us

The environs of Navam Mawatha come alive with the sounds of drums and colourful lights. Crowds gather in large numbers as majestic elephants and dancers parade the streets. It is a celebration of culture and spirituality and has been a highlight of the February calendar since 1979. The Navam Maha Perahera will take centre stage in the spirit of peace, harmony and unity.

Ven Galaboda Gnanissara Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple has always ensured that the ancient traditions and culture of our country are preserved. It is with this aim that Podi Hamuduruwo revived our heritage performances of dance and music through the Navam Maha Perahera where thousands of artistes from around the Island gather in celebration. Traditions that were gradually disappearing into the past were brought to life and sustained with the support of the Temple.
But what is most unique about the Gangaramaya Temple and the Navam Perahera is the unity and harmony that it fosters between communities. Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians all gather to display their cultural heritage in the procession. Dancers and drummers from the Central region, South, Sabaragamuwa, North and East too perform in unison. Podi Hamuduruwo states that it is important to encourage harmony and unity between communities through religious and cultural events and the Navam Perahera is an excellent example of bringing communities together for more than 37 years.