Annual ‘Unduvap Perahera’ Held at Jaffna Naga Viharaya

The 'Unduvap' Perahera of the Jaffna Sri Naga Vihara assisted by the Army paraded the streets in Jaffna Sunday (3) evening.

On the instructions of Major General Dharshana Hettiarachchi, Commander, Security Forces – Jaffna (SF-J), Major General Marvyn Perera, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 51 Division and Brigadier Sarath Dissanayaka, Brigade Commander, 512 Brigade, together with Sri Lanka Police, Government agencies and donors provided necessary assistance for religious and cultural events in the 'Unduvap' Perahera.

The procession comprised of various aesthetic feats, specific to the North as well as the South, started from Muttavely ground around 7.30 p.m. on Sunday (3) and paraded along the Kankesanturai road, Hospital road, Vembady junction and Palaly road before it reached back the temple around 10.30 p.m.

School children of Jaffna and Kandy, dancers from Jaffna and Kilinochchi, members of Sri Lanka Air Force and Sri Lanka Army showcased their artistic talents in the procession. Traditional dancers, drummers and decorated elephants with sacred relics of the Sri Naga Vihara participated in the procession.

Tusker 'Raju' of Balangoda carried the casket and it was received by the Commander, SF-J and placed in the Mandapaya after the parade returned.

Clergies of all major denominations, Mr. N Vethanayaham, District Secretary - Jaffna and senior government and private sector officials were present during the event.