The month of Esala (July or August) is during which this annual pageant is usually held. This has been considered a month of celebrations and festivity both among Indians and Sri Lankans. Even from the lifetime of The Buddha in the 6th century BC, the Esala festival was held to commemorate the Buddhas conception, His renunciation and the first sermon.
“The Esala Perahera, Kandy | 10th to 19 August 2024 ”
Esala is also believed to be the start of the rainy season (Vassana) when the monks commence their retreat. This month is also considered to be a period when ritual performances to the protective divinities are held (eg: The pattini puja) as recorded in the text ‘Pattini – Halla ‘being considered a ‘chaste’ month, the period is held sacred for the availability of water, hence prosperity.
Several records have been left behind by dignitaries and other visitors to the island such as Robert Knox, John Davy etc…with descriptions of the perahera. These accounts provide much evidence as to the constitution and organization of the present day perahera. Yet many features seemed to be added and some changed to suit the time and the available resources and conditions. The Dalada procession and the social traditions are linked so much together.
The procession is a complex procedure in which various customs are involved. The preliminary preparation for the perahera commences at the beginning of every year, immediately after the Wesak and Poson festivities. Steps are taken to inform the owners of elephants, including the number of tuskers and the required measures to mend the dresses worn and the preparation of new dresses if required. Measures are also taken to repair the various implements like oil torches etc…to fulfil the requirements to make the perahera a success.
The astrologer attached to the Sacred Tooth (Nakath Mohottala) is required to prepare an auspicious time for the pageant to be inaugurated. After which a meeting of state officials and delegated of voluntary associations with the patronage of the Mahasanga is summoned to discuss matters pertaining to the services to be executed to make the perahera a glorious event.
Kumbal Perahera (kumbal Procession)
10th to 15th August
The Esala Perahera pageant starts with the first Kumbul Perahera which is shown to infants to drive away evil spells. This perahera is witnessed by many families who have infants and travels long distances and make it a special obligation to witness this first perahera. It is tradition that the procession parades the streets of Kandy for five days. It is a popular perahera and remains as an unfinished procession or a semi procession according to many. The main reason being that the Nilames do not partake in this procession, but the drummers and elephants parade the streets without any ceremonial costumes.
The Randoli Perahera
16th to 19th August 2024.
This could be witnessed with the procession of The Sacred Tooth relic for a period of five days. This is a tradition which is continued for many years and started during the times of the Kings. The chief queen of the kings paraded in this procession in palanquins. As the participation of the queens was not proper in the procession of the Sacred Tooth relic they were stopped but the palanquins were taken in the procession as an honour to the queen. Today it is taken as the last item in the procession.
The Maha Randoli Perahera (Grand Randoli Procession)
19th of August 2024
The Maha Randoli Perahera is the last procession of the Esala Perahera season and is held on the night of a full moon Poya day. It is the grandest event of the perahera season. The tuckers are garlanded and dressed in ceremonial costumes as well as the dancers and others who parade the streets in this procession .The Diyawadana Nilame adds a novel glamour to the procession wearing a newly stitched costume. This perahera is witnessed by large numbers by both local and foreign visitors
Ian M. Perumal
