The Buddhist calendar of Sri Lanka opens with the Durutu Perahera Pooja Festival at the Historic Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihara. The sacred Kelaniya temple derives its religious and historical significance, mainly due to the Buddha's third visit to the premises on the banks of the Kelani River. Since this highly venerated occurrence, the Buddhists in the island flock to this serene monastery to venerate and receive blessings. All the kings in the country contributed to the development of the Kelaniya temple in many ways. The annual religious ceremony has its roots in the times of ancient kings who sponsored the religious activities at the Kelaniya temple with a great sense of respect. This highly venerated religious event is organized annually marking the first visit of the Buddha to Sri Lanka (which took place on Wesak full moon poya day) to invoke blessings of the Noble Triple Gem and Gods to all Sri Lankans and all beings on earth in common. The Kelaniya Durutu Perahera Pooja Festival, that was halted for sometimes during the colonial rule was restarted in 1927 with the guidance of Ven. Mapitigama Buddharakkhita Thera, the then chief incumbent of the temple and generous patronage of the Helena Wijewardene Lamatheni. Since then, this religious festival marks one of the major religious events in the country. This year, the ceremony is organized with the guidance of Most Venerable Professor Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhita Nayaka Thera. The Dayakasabha with all organizations and devotees of the temple sponsor the event together with the support of many philanthropist in Sri Lanka and abroad. In preparation to this historic event, a series of sermons - Buddhist Dhamma talks - were held from November 2 to January 5. The three day long paritta chanting (historically named as hatvaruve pirit deshanava), was held to invoke blessings to all in the New Year. On the third day, the Dorakada asna desana (in which a boy clothed as a deity announces the presence of all gods at the temple and the gods are invoked with merits accumulated throughout) and Anusasana desana (where a veteran and senior monk representing all the community of the monks and devotees invoke blessings to all gods in the universe) were held. The Udamaluwe Perahera (Buddhist Procession on the upper sphere courtyard of the Sacred Kelaniya Temple) started on January 12 evening that circumambulated the Stupa, Bodhi Tree and Shrine Room with Basnayake Nilame carrying the Sacred Relics of the Buddha with the participation of tuskers and artists representing all traditions. The same perahera was held on January 13 evening. The Maha Perahera (the great procession) will be held today with the participation of hundreds of tuskers and artists.