Sunday, July 3, 2011

Kandy Esala Perahera - Discover the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka

Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination. (115km from Colombo at 465 meters above sea level). Famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many other temples the city could be called the cultural capital of the island. 

The great chronicle Mahawamsa records that King Kirthi Sri Meghawanna also known as Kithsiri Mewan, during his reign in Anuradhapura was informed by the Mahavihara bhikkhus that Prince Danta and Princess Hemamala had arrived at Meghagiri (Isurumuni) bringing with them the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. The King went to meet them and ordered that a special casket be made to place the Sacred Relic. Placing the Relic in this ornate casket it was taken to Anuradhapura in a Perahera (pageant). 
 
King Kithsiri Mevan paid homage to the Sacred Relic and these rituals were continued by Kings Jetta Tissa, Buddhaghosa, Upatissa, Mahanama and King Mahinda V (Mihindu) who safeguarded the Relic. This was the first Dalada Perahera ritual which is still followed as the Esala Perahera in July/August in Kandy, the last stronghold of the Kandyan kings.

 Fa Hien, the Chinese traveller who visited Anuradhapura in the 6th Century, in his writings has described the ceremony of the Sacred Tooth Relic which was conducted with great splendour. When Kandy was ceded to the British, the Kandyan Convention guaranteed the preservation of the Buddhist rituals and the Dalada Perahera. It's the month of August and the Esala trees are in bloom with the yellow Esala blossoms cascading down their branches, reminding one of the annual Esala Perahera.

Kandy Perahera, the pageant of the temple of tooth where Buddha's tooth is kept is held either in July or August each year to parade the golden caskets is a must see itenary if one is visiting Sri Lanka during these months. The final night procession is the most spectacular event of the country. More than 50 elephants parade the city accompanied by the drummers, dancers and chieftains.

A various type of cultural items are preformed in the Kandy Esala Perahera which are formed under "Udarata tradition" like "Udarata Ves" dance, Getabera drum prefomance, Udekki small drum dance, Sawaram dance and many more beautiful cultural performences. The street are colorfully lighten and also "Koppara Pandam" are used to gain extra light while showing how the Perahera path was lighten in ancient times.

Find out more interesting photos of Kandy Esala Perahera at below links: