Kandy Perahera (esala Perahera)

In the heart of Sri Lanka rests the most scenic Hill Country wrapped in concentric green and blue mountain ranges

. And in the centre of the Hill Country is the city that is renowned as the last independent Kingdom of Sri Lanka, Kandy. It is also one of the most beautiful cities of Sri Lanka that boasts a great number of historical, cultural and religious attractions.

Kandy is part of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to the world famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, more popularly known as the Temple of the Tooth. Known locally as Sri Dalada Maligawa it is one of the most sacred temples for Theravada Buddhists that enshrines the left Tooth Relic of Lord Gautama Buddha.

Every year Temple of the Tooth hosts a procession, not an ordinary one but the biggest, most spectacular and most vibrant pageant of Sri Lanka with the longest history. This is the Esala Perahera also known as the Kandy Perahera. It is said that the initial Esala Perahera dates back to third century BC which was paraded expecting rain in return. In the fourth century AD the purpose changed to a religious pageant after the Sacred Tooth Relic was brought from India to Sri Lanka.

The Esala Perahera has evolved so much, century after century, with new items being added and becoming the longest and spectacular pageant of this little isle. The procession has numerous rites and rituals performed in and out of the premises from the first day to the final day, so as to bestow blessings for everyone in the country.

Identified by the names Kumbal and Randoli the pageant goes on for a number of days at night. Even though the streets are all illumined grandly the traditions of carrying fire lanterns still continue. The ear piercing sound of whip crackers let all the eager spectators know the pageant is on the way, while fire spinners will take your breath away by performing spine chilling stunts.

Dancers representing different styles perform while parading in vibrant and dazzling costumes. The sound of traditional flutes and drums are so overwhelming that even the elephants on parade starts dancing whenever they pause. The elephants and tuskers are all clad in the most dazzling costumes you"ve ever seen and add a majestic feel to the entire pageant.

The culmination is when the sacred tusker carrying the golden casket that represents the Sacred Tooth Relic passes by as the crowds rise to pay homage. The imposing tusker treads carefully on the narrow white carpet, escorted by two tuskers while the mounted people on either side spray flowers while holding a big ornate canopy. The pageant is still not over as there are four more processions following the main procession representing the four shrines located in the premises of the Temple of the Tooth.

The Kandy Perahera for 2010 starts on the tenth of August and ends on 25th of August. As it draws hundreds and thousands of throngs from all over Sri Lanka and all across the globe the Kandy hotels tend to get booked full in advance. Experience the Kandyan lifestyle, culture and traditions spiced with the warm hospitality of John Keells Hotels Group at the Chaaya Citadel Kandy. Spend your holiday at one of the finest hotels in Kandy while relishing scenic vistas of the Mahaweli River and lush green hills.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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