Dalada Perehera
A Perahera is a religious parade that takes place in various parts of Sri Lanka that is strongly related to the Buddhist culture of the country. A Perahera is strongly dominated with marching Elephants which are supplanted with an impressive array of dancers and other types of performers making it one of the most significant religious events in the Country.
The Kandy Esala Perahera or Dalada Perahera is usually held in the months of July, and August while the dates are set mainly by the Chief Lay Head or Trustee who is called the Diyawadana Nilame by the locals.
This celebration has been taking place for thousands of years and carried out by the procession of past Sri Lankan Kings. It is recorded in the Mahavamsa that the Sacred Tooth Relic placed today in the Shri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy was brought to Sri Lanka from India during the time of King Kirthisiri Meghawanna who ruled from Anuradhapura. (303 - 331 A.D)
The Mahavamsa further elaborates that King Kirthisiri Meghawanna announced that from there on, a festival in honour of the Sacred Tooth Relic must take place each year. As a result enormous amounts of money was spent to celebrate this festival of honour. The Dalada Perahera that can be viewed today is proof that the Kings who followed King Meghawanna have faithfully executed his decree.
Today the main Dalada Perahera comprises of four types of peraheras. They are the Dalada Maligawa Perahera, The Natha Dewala Perahera, The Maha Vishnu Dewala Perahera, The Katharagama Dewale Perahera and The Pattini Dewale Perahera.
The main highlight of this parade are the ornately decorated Elephants that stroll through the streets. Of these elephants a single Elephant stands out from the rest. Know as the Maligawe Tusker this elephant carries the golden casket which contains the sacred tooth relic upon its back.
Supporting the elephants are the variety of performers that undertake various kinds of dances. One of the noteworthy performers are the Whip Crackers who generally lead the proceedings. By the cracking of their whips, they announce the beginning and the approach of the Dalada Perahera.
The Whip Crackers are followed by the Flag Bearers who carry the flags of different provinces and temples of the country. Next, the Peramunerala who is an important administrator rides on the first elephant of the Perahera.
The parade is not performed in silence, but is an actively serenaded by local musical instruments which are heavily dominated by drums. The musical part of the parade follows shortly after the first elephant consisting of mainly drummers and flute players.
This is just the start and as the parade carries on viewers will be met with an array of dancers in colourful outfits, lively music and elephants in breathtaking attire. The Perahera is definitely a sight worth seeing and provides a truly memorable experience.
Events & Festivals in Sri Lanka
