We have finally been given the dates and details for next year’s Esala Perahera! Yay!
The festival, held in the city of Kandy, is thought to be a fusion of two Peraheras (Processions), the Esala and the Dalada. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, the original Esala Perahera is a ritual enacted to request rainfall from the Gods. The more recent Dalada Perahera began when the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka from India during the 4th Century AD.
Kandy Perahera
The 2010 dates for the legendary Kandy Perahera have finally been announced. This year the festivities will kick off on August 14th and finishes with the grand day procession on August 25th.
The Perahera is one of the highlights of the year in Kandy and draws visitors from around the globe to witness this unique cultural phenomenon. The annual Esala Perahera is a religious ceremony during which devotees pray for good rains to cultivate the crops. One of Buddhism’s most sacred relics, the Sacred Tooth is taken from the Temple of the Tooth and paraded through the streets. Following this, more festive events take centre stage and visitors can expect to see a lively cast of dancers, jugglers and fire-breathers milling amongst the crowds. (more…)
