Prior to the festival's commencement, age-old rituals like the Pirith ceremony (Chanting of Buddhist Sutras for protection, kap situveema (A symbolical wooden tower being planted) are held and the smaller processions called Kumbal and Dewele Peraheras are held. After that, the Perahara or the main procession takes place, and it concludes with Diya Kapeema (The symbolic water cutting ceremony) all of which are held for 13 days under the supervision of the Chief incumbent(Basnayake Nilame) of the Shrine.
