KANDY ESALA PERAHERA

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS – in our continuing series on beautiful festivals and cultural events around the world; brings to you the  Kandy Esala Perahera.

(Homage to the  Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.)

Spotlight – Kandy Esala Perahera.

One of the grandest festivals of Sri Lanka is the Kandy – Esala Perahera (or) the Esala Festival of Kandy. It is held yearly  to pay homage to the  Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. The Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka from India about eight hundred years after the passing of Lord Buddha.

The grand festival includes elegant costumes, traditional dances & a lot of  cultural Programs. The Esala dates  back to roughly the 3rd century BC & is a mix of two separate Peraheras ( processions ) – the Esala and Dalada.

Recent History :-

In relatively recent times, the Perahera was organized lavishly by King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747 – 1781). After the Kandyan Kingdom feel to the British, (1815) the Relic become the responsibility of the Buddhist clergy (Mahasangha). Since there was no king, a Diyawadana Nilame (Trustee) was appointed to handle all regular programmes.

Kumbal Perahera:-

Devale Peraheras takes place for  five nights, accompanied by dance & Music, The sacred insignia of the Gods – the Ran Ayudha is also a part of the celebrations.

After the Devale Peraheras, the Kumbal Perahera begins &  goes on for a further five nights.

The Temple  of the Tooth (Sri Lanka’s must important Buddhist shrine) is where the Buddha’s sacred Tooth Relic is kept since 16^th century. The Devale Peraheras  assemble here.

The Maligawa Perahera  joins the Devale  Peraheras and the procession begins. The Buddhist flag bearers lead the way, cleared in front by fire acrobats & crackers. The Perumana Raja (or) Front Official rides the first elephant, followed by other elephants, drummers and dancers. The sacred tooth Relic is carried by another group of singers. This is followed by the Diyawadana Nilame. He is dressed in full Kandyan grandeur. Traditionally the Diyawadana Nilame is the person who prays for rain.

The Tooth Relic festivals are conducted by Malwatte & Asgiriya chapters of the Buddhist clergy of Sri Lana. The Diyawadana Nilame is the organizer, and he plans & conducts all events of the Perahera. The officials of the Temple of  the Tooth help him.

The astrological advisors are the Nekath Mohottala. They choose the auspicious time for all the events. The drummers are identified & fixed by officials called the Panikkamura Baarakaruwo. The elephants are  located & their owners are met with, to discuss their participation in the events. All the dance troupes are given enough time for rehearsals. Finally the Basnayake Nilames ( Who are traditionally the custodians of the Devales) are intimated to conduct their processions.

Foot Note :

The world is a beautiful place with beautiful people all around. People world over have different festivals and traditions to pray to the divine power, and celebrate togetherness and human bonding. The Kandy Esala Perahera is one of them. To visit the Kandy Esala Perahera & to know more about other beautiful festivals world over; contact us. We will be very glad to help you with your travel plans.

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

India : 0091 938 106 1000.

Sri Lanka : 0094 7711 62 800.

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