The Grand History of the Historic Kandy Esala Perahera

The Kandy Esala Perahera is the largest and most prestigious cultural pageant in Sri Lanka, showcasing the nation's identity to the world. It is far more than just a festival; it is a profound fusion of religious, political, and cultural traditions preserved meticulously over centuries.

1. The Origins: Anuradhapura Era and the Arrival of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The roots of the Perahera trace back to the 4th century AD.

• 310 AD: During the reign of King Guhasiva of Kalinga, India, Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha brought the Sacred Tooth Relic to Sri Lanka to protect it from being destroyed during wars in India.

• King Kirthi Sri Meghavarna: The then-ruler of Anuradhapura received the Relic with great honor and decreed that it should be taken in a public procession once a year for the people to venerate. This was initially known as the "Dalada Perahera."

2. The Medieval Period: Symbol of Sovereignty

As the capital of Sri Lanka shifted from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa, and subsequently to Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, and Kotte, the protection of the Tooth Relic remained the King’s primary responsibility. Possession of the Sacred Relic became a symbol of the right to rule; the people accepted only the guardian of the Relic as the legitimate King of the nation.

3. The Influence of the Four Great Devalas (Shrines)

Long before the arrival of the Tooth Relic, the "Esala Festival" existed in Sri Lanka as a ritual to the gods.

• Processions were held by the four main shrines—Natha, Vishnu, Katharagama, and Pattini—to pray for rain, the eradication of diseases, and a successful harvest.

• These rituals, performed during the month of Esala (July/August), became known as the "Esala Perahera."

4. The Kandyan Era: The Modern Evolution

The Perahera as we see it today, where the Dalada Perahera and the four Devala Peraheras unite, was established during the Kandyan Kingdom.

• King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747-1782): During a period when Buddhism had faced a decline, the King invited Upali Thero and a delegation of monks from Siam (Thailand) to restore higher ordination (Upasampada).

• The Unification: Upon the advice of Upali Thero, the King integrated the Dalada Perahera (which was purely Buddhist) with the four Devala Peraheras (which were dedicated to deities). To grant supremacy to Lord Buddha, it was decided that the Dalada Maligawa procession would lead the other four.

The 4 Main Stages of the Perahera

This grand festival unfolds over several days through specific stages:

1. Kap Situweema (Planting of the 'Kap'): The official commencement where a sanctified log (usually from a Jackfruit or Ruk Attana tree) is planted in each of the four Devalas. This is an ancient ritual to invoke blessings for rain and prosperity.

2. Kumbal Perahera: Held for five consecutive nights. While it is a vibrant street procession, it is smaller in scale compared to the final nights. Only the Dalada Maligawa procession carries the casket during this stage.

3. Randoli Perahera: The most magnificent stage, lasting five nights. It is named after the Randoli (golden palanquins) in which the King's consorts used to travel. The final night, the Maha Randoli Perahera, is the grandest spectacle, featuring the maximum number of elephants and dancers.

4. Diya Kepeema (Water Cutting Ceremony): On the morning following the final Randoli Perahera, a water-cutting ritual is performed at the Getambe ferry. This is followed by a Day Perahera that returns to the Maligawa, marking the official end of the festival.

Cultural Significance

The Kandy Esala Perahera serves as a living museum of Sri Lankan performing arts, including Kandyan dancing, traditional drumming, and the majestic parade of domesticated elephants. It is a masterpiece of traditional attire and ancient craftsmanship, standing as a heritage not just for Buddhists, but for the entire nation and the world.