The historical Sri Dalada Pageant of the Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya paraded the streets of Kotte yesterday for the 102nd consecutive year.

The pageant which was a major cultural and historical event in the Colombo suburbs will be held this time under full state patronage.

It dates back to the Kotte era of history where the pageant was started by King Parakramabahu VI in 1415 to venerate the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.

According to legend, the King had built a three storeyed temple for the Tooth Relic and held the pageant annually with the participation of 100 tuskers and 100 dance troupes.

However, it came into abeyance with the Portuguese conquest in the 16th century and it was recommenced in 1813 under the guidance of Ven. Pilane Nayaka Thera.

"The pageant this time will feature 50 caparisoned elephants, dancers, drummers and various other rituals worth witnessing by everybody," said Minister Ravi Karunanayake, the President of the Dayaka Sabha.

He said dance troupes of Kandyan, Ruhunu and Sabaragamu traditions will feature at the event.

The absence of a Basnayake Nilame and the prohibition of women from participating are among historical traditions associated with the pageant, which would be held under guidance of Ven. Aluthnuwara Anuruddha Thera, the Chief Incumbent of Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya.