Dalada Perahera - A Marvelous Procession

The Dalada Perahera or the Kandy Esala Perahera is a festive cultural procession which happens annually in Sri Lanka

. The day on which the procession is held is decided by the Diyawadana Nilame who is the head of the Dalada Maligawa which is also known as the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Although the Esala Perahera is said to have been celebrated even back in the 3rd century BC, the Dalada Perahera came into being after the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was brought to the country from India in the 4th century AD. Although this procession is known by both these names today, instead of being a ritualistic request made to the gods to provide rain, it is now carried out to showcase the precious relic itself and the importance it has to all Buddhist followers in Sri Lanka.

During the time when Kirthisiri Meghawanna ruled Anuradhapura, the Sacred Tooth Relic was brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Memamala and Prince Dantha and was placed in a casket which was made by soapstone. Today the Sacred Tooth Relic is housed at the Dalada Maligawa where it has been kept safe for decades. Although Esala refers to the month of July, this procession may take place in August at times according to the wishes of the Diyawadana Nilame. The procession begins by planting an Esala tree or a substitute (jackfruit tree) as a symbol which signifies the promise that the procession will take place as planned. This ritual takes place in the four Devalas which are devoted to the four guardians who are God Natha, God Vishnu, Katharagama God, and Goddess Pattini.

After this ritual is completed the four Devalas start their own Peraheras which last for five days. On the sixth day the four Devala Perheras join with the Dalada Perahera which takes lead. This is when the procession reaches a new height and the colorful performances of the traditional dancers, the whip crackers, the stilt walkers and fire throwers are at their best performing for the thousands of followers who crowd the streets.

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by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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