Kandy Esala Perahera - 2011
The month of Asala (July), during which period this annual pageant is usually held, had 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 Asala festival was held to commemorate the Buddha’s Conception, his Renunciation and the First Sermon. Asala is also considered to be the beginning of the raining season (Vassana) when the monks commence their Retreat. Also, this month is considered to be the period when ritual performances to the protective divinities are held, (eg 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. The description of the perahara. These accounts provide much evidence as to the constitution and organization of the present day perahara. Yet many features seem to have been added and some changed to suit the time and the available resources and conditions.
The earliest record maintained on the Kandy annual pageant was by Robert Knox, an Englishman who lived in the court of Kandy for many years as a prisoner during the time of Rajashimha II (1636-1684). According to Knox, the Kandy perahara was conducted purely to honor the Devale divinities, Alutnuvara (Uppalavanna), Kataragama and Pattini. The Natha Devale, however, though the oldest shrine in Kandy, was not mentioned by Knox. During the time of King Kirti Sri Rajasimha the Natha Devale too is mentioned in the processions of the four Devales. The most important feature that occurred at this time was the addition of the Tooth Relic procession to the processions of the four Devales. It is said that the king himself placed the Relic casket in the ‘Ransivige’ fixed on to the back of the tusker. The Mahavamsa further records that the procession held by King Kirti Sri Rajasimha with all splendors assumed the form of a national festival.
Description of the Perahera Items ;-
(1)Security Vehicle
This is added to the kandy esala perahera recent past. This vehicle is driven to pave the way for the perahera to move forward and to stabilize the security requirements.
(2)Whip crackers
Whip crackers take in the perahera. In the days of the kings it was customary to crack the whip to pave them away. Two main purpose of the cracking the whips are to pave the way for the king to travel to inform public the public of the arrival of the king. In the same way in a ceremony pertaining to an offering on behalf of the Lord Buddha cracking indicates that the way for the passing of the perahera should be cleared and the perahera is reaching closer.
(3)Dancers with the fireball (Gini Bola karuwan)
These Dancers serve the following objectives
1. Illuminating the way of the procession.
2. Clearing the way of the procession to proceed.
3. Attracting the viewers with the colorful modes and styles of dancing.
4. Increase the faith and piety of the viewer's towards the Lord Buddha.
Fire ball dancers symbolize the lighting before an imminent rain.
(4)Buddhist Flags
These indicate the close arrival of a Buddhist procession. One national flag is taken to symbolize it as a national festival.
(5)Dissa flags
1.Firstly – Sun and Moon flag of four korales.
2. Secondly – Lion large flags of seven korales.
3.Thirdly – swan large flag of uva.
4.Fourthly – white large flag of mathale.
5.Fifthly – Yellow silk Cloth Large Flag of Sabaragamuwa.
6.(Twin healed hawk) Large Flag of the Three Korales.
7. Peacock Large Flag of Walapane.
8. Lotus Large Flag of Udapalatha.
9. Gajasinghe large flag of Nuwara Kalaviya.
10. Tiger Large Flag of Wellassa.
11. Parrot Large Flag of Binthenna.
12. Bear Large Flag of Thamankaduwa.
The above Ratas were represented by 9 flags. Ratas were under Rate Ralas.
Brass Dissa Flags.
(6) Sword Bearers
This is a traditional item which is displayed throughout and symbolize the security /protection to the perahera.
(7)Peramune Rala
Riding in an Elephant. This was added during the last days of the kandy Kindom. The peramunerala ascended on an elephant carries the Lekammitiya (Which contains Perahera Sannasa and customs) along with its silver Box. He wears a white thuppotti (a long cloth of 15 feet = 10 Riyanaes, which is worn by kandy and nobles). White jacket and head cover/hat.
(8)Drummers
Use Drums, double drums (Thummatan) trumpat (Horana ) Cymbols (Thalampota) Bugle Horns (Kombuwa) Conches (Hukgediya) Tinklers/anklets (Gejji). They adopt different modes of walk and dancing move forward and increases the attraction towards the perahera. They promote splendor and gravity of the perahera.
(9)Gajanayaka Nilame
Use Drums, double drums (Thummatan) trumpat (Horana ) Cymbols (Thalampota) Bugle Horns (Kombuwa) Conches (Hukgediya) Tinklers/anklets (Gejji). They adopt different modes of walk and dancing move forward and increases the attraction towards the perahera. They promote splendor and gravity of the perahera.
(10) Trumpet players
Under fivefold musical instruments trumpet (Susira) play an important role because they issue a pleasing sweet sound to the ears. Trumpets are played simultaneously with the beating of drums. This has added as a new item since 2006.
(11)Dancers with the yake tails (Chamara Netuwa)
Yak's tails (chamara) have been used to fan the kings Queens and nobles. This dance has originated to depict this ancient dancing item in the kings council. As the dancing is done using a tool / instruments it can br identified as folk dance too. But when one considers the singing and movement it cannot be treated as a folk dance. Any how simple drum beat and dances indicates that the chamara Natuma is shown merely for entertainment and it takes a very special place in perahera.
(12)Troupes of wooded stick dancers (Leekeli Kandayama)
A very simple variety of dance. It is an isolated item from caste dances. It is a folk dance originated through the movement of sticks according to the notes of simple movements. This has been developed according to the up country dancing traditions. Uduwela, Paranagama, and Dulwala generations played a leading role in this art.
(13) Pathuru Team
Very special dancing items in the kandyan dancing tradition. (Pantheruwa is around brass frame in which double symbols of very small size fixed in order to emit a musical sound. It can be played with both hands while dancing).
(14)Thalam team (Troupe playing cymbals)
This is a variety of folk dance. Thalam or cymbals (a pair ) could be used for simpe dancers. While singing is done, to beating of geta beraya.
(15)Hawadi Dangaya Weaving of the waist chain (Hawadiya)
Developed from the lee keli Nattuwa(Wooden Stick Dancer). An extremely attractive dance item. Specialty in this is that the use of stick used in the Leekeli Natuma and the ropes (of various colors ) to weave a pattern which is extremely attractive. While dancing pattern is allowed to weave and unweave in a movable post at middle. This too is a folk dance.
(16) Troupe of Nayyandi Dancers
This is a traditional dance by experanced airtises dressed in Nayyadi dancing prnaments without the head covering of Dancing ornaments . In this dance getaberaya is played and verses used for upcountry dancing are sung. Two teams are involved in the dance. This is hereditary to the upcountry. This should be learned before the ves netuwa.
(17)Kadu Saramba (Sward Fighting)
This is become popular as a folk dance. Fighting using the sward is the theme of the dance. Panegyric verses, verses sung for battles are used. Hand and body movement are done according to the beat of the drums.
(18)Thammatta players Team (Team of double drum players)
This is an instrument with double drums and on variety in the pancha thurya bhanda and an essential drum used in hewisi (drumming). This alone is used to display the talent of the artistes since 2006, as a new addition. Playing the double drums requires much talent for it has a great artistic and classical value.
(19)Pantheru Netum Team (Troupe of Splinter dancers)
Another folk – dance which involves playing with 2 splinters in both hands. The team dances to the rhythm of the verses sung and to the tune of the drums played. Movements of hands and feet are done in a pattern to attract the viewers.
(20)Troupe of ves dancers
This is the highest of all the kandyan dancing items. This is popular not only in sri lanka but also in the other countries. The artistes who participate the have mastered the art, According to the singing of verses and beating of drums by efficient and experienced artistes. Appearance of the two dancing teams in front of the Diyawadana Nilame takes place. This ves Natuma is a very special honored piece of dance in the kandy Esala Perahera.
(21)Kariya korawana Korala
He is the chief officers under Diyawadana Nilame. His special duty is to be in charge of the sacred relic casket, which is to be carried on the tusker of the Maligawa. White jacket and head dress belong to his official dress.
(22)Naga SIngham
Among the playing instruments in the Nanumura Mangallaya (Bathing ceremony done for the sacred tooth realic) and other special festivities in the Dalada Maligawa, this instrument draws special festivities in the dalada maligawa , this instrument draws special attention, This was added because of hindu influence.
(23)The Mangala tusker who carries this Sacred Relic Casket
The tusker goes under the canopy and over a cloth carpet along with two tuskers on both sides. The selection of the mangala tusker for this great and noble task has proved as the wisest step taken by the Maligawa authorities. Raja has accomplished the great task of carrying the sacred Relic casket for 50 years and accumulated much merit. Raja the tusker has become a national Heritage. Later other tuskers were employed for this great and noble Task.
(24)Kavikara Maduwa (Team of versifiers)
The team of versifiers (in the Dalada Maligawa) while reciting verses on the virtues of the Lord Buddha and the virtues of the sacred Tooth relic playing Udekki (narrow drums) pantheru and cymbals participate in the Dalada Perhera.
(25) Carriers of Flowers and Oil lamps
This too is a traditional custom. Restarted recently.
(26)Diyawadana Nilame
Nineteen Diyawadana Nilames have participated since 1814 AD. Pradeep Nilanga Dela is the 19th Diyawadana Nilame participating in this perahera.
**Behind the Perahera of Dalada maligawa other perahera of Natha,Vishnu, Katharagama, and Paththini Devala's fllows regular order**
{Taken From The Official Website Of Sri Dalada Maligawa}
The earliest record maintained on the Kandy annual pageant was by Robert Knox, an Englishman who lived in the court of Kandy for many years as a prisoner during the time of Rajashimha II (1636-1684). According to Knox, the Kandy perahara was conducted purely to honor the Devale divinities, Alutnuvara (Uppalavanna), Kataragama and Pattini. The Natha Devale, however, though the oldest shrine in Kandy, was not mentioned by Knox. During the time of King Kirti Sri Rajasimha the Natha Devale too is mentioned in the processions of the four Devales. The most important feature that occurred at this time was the addition of the Tooth Relic procession to the processions of the four Devales. It is said that the king himself placed the Relic casket in the ‘Ransivige’ fixed on to the back of the tusker. The Mahavamsa further records that the procession held by King Kirti Sri Rajasimha with all splendors assumed the form of a national festival.
Description of the Perahera Items ;-
(1)Security Vehicle
This is added to the kandy esala perahera recent past. This vehicle is driven to pave the way for the perahera to move forward and to stabilize the security requirements.
(2)Whip crackers
Whip crackers take in the perahera. In the days of the kings it was customary to crack the whip to pave them away. Two main purpose of the cracking the whips are to pave the way for the king to travel to inform public the public of the arrival of the king. In the same way in a ceremony pertaining to an offering on behalf of the Lord Buddha cracking indicates that the way for the passing of the perahera should be cleared and the perahera is reaching closer.
(3)Dancers with the fireball (Gini Bola karuwan)
These Dancers serve the following objectives
1. Illuminating the way of the procession.
2. Clearing the way of the procession to proceed.
3. Attracting the viewers with the colorful modes and styles of dancing.
4. Increase the faith and piety of the viewer's towards the Lord Buddha.
Fire ball dancers symbolize the lighting before an imminent rain.
(4)Buddhist Flags
These indicate the close arrival of a Buddhist procession. One national flag is taken to symbolize it as a national festival.
(5)Dissa flags
1.Firstly – Sun and Moon flag of four korales.
2. Secondly – Lion large flags of seven korales.
3.Thirdly – swan large flag of uva.
4.Fourthly – white large flag of mathale.
5.Fifthly – Yellow silk Cloth Large Flag of Sabaragamuwa.
6.(Twin healed hawk) Large Flag of the Three Korales.
7. Peacock Large Flag of Walapane.
8. Lotus Large Flag of Udapalatha.
9. Gajasinghe large flag of Nuwara Kalaviya.
10. Tiger Large Flag of Wellassa.
11. Parrot Large Flag of Binthenna.
12. Bear Large Flag of Thamankaduwa.
The above Ratas were represented by 9 flags. Ratas were under Rate Ralas.
Brass Dissa Flags.
(6) Sword Bearers
This is a traditional item which is displayed throughout and symbolize the security /protection to the perahera.
(7)Peramune Rala
Riding in an Elephant. This was added during the last days of the kandy Kindom. The peramunerala ascended on an elephant carries the Lekammitiya (Which contains Perahera Sannasa and customs) along with its silver Box. He wears a white thuppotti (a long cloth of 15 feet = 10 Riyanaes, which is worn by kandy and nobles). White jacket and head cover/hat.
(8)Drummers
Use Drums, double drums (Thummatan) trumpat (Horana ) Cymbols (Thalampota) Bugle Horns (Kombuwa) Conches (Hukgediya) Tinklers/anklets (Gejji). They adopt different modes of walk and dancing move forward and increases the attraction towards the perahera. They promote splendor and gravity of the perahera.
(9)Gajanayaka Nilame
Use Drums, double drums (Thummatan) trumpat (Horana ) Cymbols (Thalampota) Bugle Horns (Kombuwa) Conches (Hukgediya) Tinklers/anklets (Gejji). They adopt different modes of walk and dancing move forward and increases the attraction towards the perahera. They promote splendor and gravity of the perahera.
(10) Trumpet players
Under fivefold musical instruments trumpet (Susira) play an important role because they issue a pleasing sweet sound to the ears. Trumpets are played simultaneously with the beating of drums. This has added as a new item since 2006.
(11)Dancers with the yake tails (Chamara Netuwa)
Yak's tails (chamara) have been used to fan the kings Queens and nobles. This dance has originated to depict this ancient dancing item in the kings council. As the dancing is done using a tool / instruments it can br identified as folk dance too. But when one considers the singing and movement it cannot be treated as a folk dance. Any how simple drum beat and dances indicates that the chamara Natuma is shown merely for entertainment and it takes a very special place in perahera.
(12)Troupes of wooded stick dancers (Leekeli Kandayama)
A very simple variety of dance. It is an isolated item from caste dances. It is a folk dance originated through the movement of sticks according to the notes of simple movements. This has been developed according to the up country dancing traditions. Uduwela, Paranagama, and Dulwala generations played a leading role in this art.
(13) Pathuru Team
Very special dancing items in the kandyan dancing tradition. (Pantheruwa is around brass frame in which double symbols of very small size fixed in order to emit a musical sound. It can be played with both hands while dancing).
(14)Thalam team (Troupe playing cymbals)
This is a variety of folk dance. Thalam or cymbals (a pair ) could be used for simpe dancers. While singing is done, to beating of geta beraya.
(15)Hawadi Dangaya Weaving of the waist chain (Hawadiya)
Developed from the lee keli Nattuwa(Wooden Stick Dancer). An extremely attractive dance item. Specialty in this is that the use of stick used in the Leekeli Natuma and the ropes (of various colors ) to weave a pattern which is extremely attractive. While dancing pattern is allowed to weave and unweave in a movable post at middle. This too is a folk dance.
(16) Troupe of Nayyandi Dancers
This is a traditional dance by experanced airtises dressed in Nayyadi dancing prnaments without the head covering of Dancing ornaments . In this dance getaberaya is played and verses used for upcountry dancing are sung. Two teams are involved in the dance. This is hereditary to the upcountry. This should be learned before the ves netuwa.
(17)Kadu Saramba (Sward Fighting)
This is become popular as a folk dance. Fighting using the sward is the theme of the dance. Panegyric verses, verses sung for battles are used. Hand and body movement are done according to the beat of the drums.
(18)Thammatta players Team (Team of double drum players)
This is an instrument with double drums and on variety in the pancha thurya bhanda and an essential drum used in hewisi (drumming). This alone is used to display the talent of the artistes since 2006, as a new addition. Playing the double drums requires much talent for it has a great artistic and classical value.
(19)Pantheru Netum Team (Troupe of Splinter dancers)
Another folk – dance which involves playing with 2 splinters in both hands. The team dances to the rhythm of the verses sung and to the tune of the drums played. Movements of hands and feet are done in a pattern to attract the viewers.
(20)Troupe of ves dancers
This is the highest of all the kandyan dancing items. This is popular not only in sri lanka but also in the other countries. The artistes who participate the have mastered the art, According to the singing of verses and beating of drums by efficient and experienced artistes. Appearance of the two dancing teams in front of the Diyawadana Nilame takes place. This ves Natuma is a very special honored piece of dance in the kandy Esala Perahera.
(21)Kariya korawana Korala
He is the chief officers under Diyawadana Nilame. His special duty is to be in charge of the sacred relic casket, which is to be carried on the tusker of the Maligawa. White jacket and head dress belong to his official dress.
(22)Naga SIngham
Among the playing instruments in the Nanumura Mangallaya (Bathing ceremony done for the sacred tooth realic) and other special festivities in the Dalada Maligawa, this instrument draws special festivities in the dalada maligawa , this instrument draws special attention, This was added because of hindu influence.
(23)The Mangala tusker who carries this Sacred Relic Casket
The tusker goes under the canopy and over a cloth carpet along with two tuskers on both sides. The selection of the mangala tusker for this great and noble task has proved as the wisest step taken by the Maligawa authorities. Raja has accomplished the great task of carrying the sacred Relic casket for 50 years and accumulated much merit. Raja the tusker has become a national Heritage. Later other tuskers were employed for this great and noble Task.
(24)Kavikara Maduwa (Team of versifiers)
The team of versifiers (in the Dalada Maligawa) while reciting verses on the virtues of the Lord Buddha and the virtues of the sacred Tooth relic playing Udekki (narrow drums) pantheru and cymbals participate in the Dalada Perhera.
(25) Carriers of Flowers and Oil lamps
This too is a traditional custom. Restarted recently.
(26)Diyawadana Nilame
Nineteen Diyawadana Nilames have participated since 1814 AD. Pradeep Nilanga Dela is the 19th Diyawadana Nilame participating in this perahera.
**Behind the Perahera of Dalada maligawa other perahera of Natha,Vishnu, Katharagama, and Paththini Devala's fllows regular order**
{Taken From The Official Website Of Sri Dalada Maligawa}