Ik laat voor een keer een ander aan het woord:

"Then comes the majestic tusker of noble birth carrying the sacred relic casket on his richly caparisoned back.
He walks in all his majesty and dignity, pacing proudly the white carpet-cloth (pawada) spread on the floor of the road to receive his feet.
It is indeed very surprising to see how he walks with solemn grace, fully aware of the sacred duty he is chosen to perform.
He would not take a single step forward unless and until the white cloth is spread before him.
Any delay in spreading the pawada would bring him to an abrupt halt.
He is flanked by two other elephants.
Two white-clad attendants riding on them strew fragrant jasmines on the sacred casket in reverential homage."

Bron: Kelaniya Tempel, Colombo.

Zie ook mijn tip: "Duruthu Perahera."