Duruthu Maha Perahara(Dalada Perahara)

The month of Esala (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 Esala festival was held to commemorate the Buddha's Conception, his Renunciation and the First Sermon.

Esala 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.Dalada procession and the social traditions are linked so much together; the month of Esala has been named as the procession month, because of the Esala feast. In the 18th century at the time of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe the four Devala Peraharas and Dalada Perahara were amalgamated and were made series of Peraharas. The procession is a complex procedure in which various customs are involved.

The preliminary preparation for the perahara commences at the beginning of every year. Immediately after the Wesak and Poson pageants steps are taken to inform the owners of elephants the number of tuskers and elephant required measures of repair the dresses worn by the elephants and prepare new dress if required. Measures are taken to repair the required implements like oil torches etc and to fulfill the requirements to make the perahara a success. The astrologer attached to the Sacred Tooth (Nakath Mohottala) is required to prepare an auspicious time for pageant to be inaugurated. Later a meeting of state official and delegates of voluntary associations with the patronage of the Mahasangha is summoned to discuss matters pertaining to services to be executed to make the perahara a glorious event.

Kumbal Perahera (Kumbal Procession) - The first procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic stars with the Kumbal Perhara. This is the first Kumbal Perhara shown to the infants to drive away Evil Spells and Illwill. It is a tradition that the procession parades the streets of Kandy for five days. But the Kumbal Perahara is popular and remains as an unfinished procession or a semi procession. The reason is that Nilames do not work in this procession. But the Drummers and Tuskers take part without any ceremonial costumes.

Randoli Perahera (Randoli Procession) - This could be seen only with the procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic and parade the streets for whole five days which is a tradition. In the days of the Kings the Chief Queen of the Kings paraded in this procession in Palanquins. As the participation of the Queens was not proper to the procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic they were stopped but a palanquin is taken in the procession as an honor to the Queen. Today it is taken as the last item of the procession.

Maha Randoli Perahera (Grand Randoli Procession) - The Maha Randoli Perahara is the last Procession. It is the grandest event of the festival. The Tuskers come with garlands and decorated with ceremonial costumes. The Diyawadana Nilame adds a novel glamour to the procession by wearing newly stitched costume.

Kataragama Perahera

A festival procession that travels through the town’s roads, the Kataragama Perahera is part and parcel of the Esala Perahera in honour of the god Skanda, also referred to as Kataragama Deviyo. Countless devotees and visiting spectators gather for this traditional annual event.

While elephants take centre stage at this parade, regional dance performances burst into view, followed by ceremonial fire walkers, fire eaters, singers, musicians and a myriad of acrobatics and jugglers engulfing the streets in a wave of colour and wonderment.

Kataragama is interwoven around many faiths, thus this Perahera spectacle is one to look forward to. Preparations begin with the kap ceremony proceeding over a month before the actual event. The auspicious day and time calculates the commencement of the procession by the cracking of whips against the ground, breaking the quiet evening air.

Usually taking place in the months of July or August, the Perahera runs for about two weeks, travelling from the Maha Devalaya to the Valli Ama Devalaya and returning again to its point of origin, and ending with the cutting ceremony on its last day.

Pilgrims travel through harsh weather, jungle and unfavourable conditions on foot on the long devotional journey from the Jaffna peninsula. They arrive just in time for the Kataragama Perahera. This great walk is known as the Pada Yatra and it is undertaken by devotees bringing their contribution of faith to the festival.

Navam Perahera

The Navam Perahera, held annually in February, displays the rich religious and cultural tradition of Sri Lanka. Hundreds of monks clad in colourful robes solemnly walking in the procession are a unique sight. Youth clad in white carrying Buddhist flags march in front.

Sacred relics housed in a casket are carried by a majestic elephant on its back. Dancers display the different types of dances prevalent in different parts of the country. So do the drummers who exhibit their skill in handling numerous forms of drums. Many elephants also participate.