Dalada Perahara - Symbol of the culture

 

The Dalada Perahera is a historical and religious procession that takes place annually in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most important cultural events in the country and dates back several centuries.

The history of the Dalada Perahera is closely intertwined with the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, which is believed to be enshrined in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy. According to tradition, the tooth relic was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD and has been venerated and protected by successive Sinhalese kings.

The first known Perahera is said to have been held in the 4th century AD during the reign of King Kirti Sri Meghavarna. Over time, the procession grew in grandeur and significance, becoming an annual event that showcases the country's rich cultural heritage.

The Dalada Perahera typically takes place over ten nights during the month of August, coinciding with the Esala Poya, which commemorates the Buddha's first sermon. The procession features elaborately decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, fire performers, and various cultural troupes.

The highlight of the Perahera is the procession of the sacred casket containing the Tooth Relic, which is carried on the back of a magnificently adorned elephant known as the Maligawa Tusker. The casket is accompanied by a large number of other elephants, making it a mesmerizing sight.

The Dalada Perahera attracts thousands of local and international visitors each year who come to witness the grand spectacle and pay their respects to the Sacred Tooth Relic. It is not only a religious event but also a celebration of Sri Lankan culture, art, and tradition.

Today, the Dalada Perahera remains a symbol of

Sri Lanka's rich history and religious heritage, representing the unity and devotion of its people.