Kandy Esala Perahera:

Nation’s most spectacular cultural symbol

The historic Kandy Esala Perahera held in connection with the Sri Dalada Maligawa which houses the Sacred Tooth Relic(Dalada), the most precious object of veneration among the world Buddhist community, is undoubtedly the nations most proud and spectacular cultural symbol, Kandy District Parliamentarian cum Media and Mass Communications Minister Dr.Keheliya Rambukwella issuing statement said..

It said: the Dalada Perahera, the main part of the Kandy Esala Perahera, has a long history. It dates from the time that the Tooth Relic of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka. The Perahera harks back to the era of King Kith Siri Mevan, about 1,700 years ago. Since then the tradition has continued with many innovations and developments under a number of rulers

The Perehera which started primarily as a ceremony to worship the Tooth Relic has evolved during the past years and today it has become the nations biggest and most spectacular cultural pageant.

As a result of the security of the state being threatened by invaders, rulers faced difficulties in conducting the Perahera when it came to the Kandyan era.

However, despite these obstacles King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe once again continued the tradition by initiating the Esela Perahera in connection with the Devalayas and later the Dalada Maligawa.

Despite the country coming under the invading British rulers in 1815, it is recorded that the Perahera and other forms of worship for the Tooth Relic had continued unabated.

The Tooth Relic since it was brought to the Island became the symbol of Kingship. It is reported to have performed many miracles. Attempts to harm the Tooth Relic over the years have failed. One such attempt by the LTTE terrorists in the recent past too failed.

Today the Esala Perahera held with the blessings of the revered Tooth Relic illustrates cultural traditions and rituals which are part of the national psyche, to the outside world.

Being an Agricultural-oriented country, another intention of our forefathers by holding the Perahera has been to invoke blessings on the gods to provide rain in the correct season for farmers to cultivate their crops.

Getting children to witness the first Kumbal Perahera helps to mitigate the effects of bad karma on them, has been another belief.

The Esala Perahera this time round holds more significance to Sri Lankans as it is held at a time when peace has dawned at the end of nearly three decades of bloodshed due to terrorism

So at a time when this holy and historic ritual begins which is the pride of all Sri Lankans lets re-invigorate our strength, shed petty differences and stand united to propagate the nations’ expectations, a prosperous and peaceful country.