The Esala Perahera in Kandy is one of the oldest and grandest of all Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, featuring dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire-breathers, and lavishly decorated elephants. This is held in Esala (July or August) which is the month that is believed to commemorate the first teaching given by the Buddha after he attained enlightenment. The Kandy Esala Perahera lasts for ten days while various festivities can be witnessed right throughout. The Sinhalese term ‘Perahera’ means a parade of musicians, dancers, singers, acrobats and various other performers accompanied by a large number of caparisoned Tuskers and Elephants parading the streets in celebration of a religious event.
The
Kandy Perahera features five processions organized by the Sri Dalada Maligawa ,
which is the most venerated Buddhist temple of Sri Lanka and four shrines
dedicated to Hindu Gods and a Goddess, By 8pm, the Maligawa Perahera or the procession of the Sacred Temple
of the Tooth takes the lead and are joined by the processions of the four Hindu
shrines
Perahera of the Temple of
the Tooth Relic is comprised as follows:
At the forefront of the
procession are the Whip Crackers. The cracking of whips all the way from the
very beginning to end of the chosen path of Perahera signifies the approach of
the procession. Immediately following the whip crackers are the Flag Bearers
carrying standard flags. Next on the procession are the Drummers playing an
array of traditional drums and blowing traditional flutes. The teams of traditional dancers
create magic with their leaps and moves. The hoards of drummers and dancers are
followed up by the officer in charge of the elephants, of course mounted on a
caparisoned and decorated tusker.Then walks majestically in supreme grace and
great pride carrying the resplendent golden casket called the ‘Karaduwa’
sheltered with a canopy. The golden casket contains the Sacred Tooth Relic of
Buddha. Held high over the Tusker is a canopy while the Tusker’s walking path
is covered by a ream of white cloth called pavada. The devotees, spectators,
foreign tourists and all distinguished guests stand steadfast while the
Maligawa Tusker carrying the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha passes them.
