Esala Perahera

When did the Esala Perahera start?

About Esala Perahera Festival

Esala Perahera is an annual Buddhist festival held in Sri Lanka during the months of July and August. It is one of the grandest processions and most spectacular festivals in the world. It is also known as 'The Festival of the Tooth Relic'. The Esala Perahera is a colorful religious event with the main parade being held in the city of Kandy. The main highlights of the festival are a procession of richly decorated elephants and dance performances. The procession also involves different types of artists such as fire-breathers, whip crackers, and drum majorettes. During the festival, devotees from all over the country offer rides to the sacred Tooth Relic of the temple of the Tooth in Kandy, a relic of Lord Buddha. The festival ends with the famous Water-Cutting Ceremony. This celebrates the arrival of two of the Buddhist deities, the God of Kataragama and the God of Natha.

What is Esala Perahera?

Esala Perahera is a vibrant Buddhist festival that takes place annually in Sri Lanka. The celebration is also known as the Festival of the Tooth since it honors the tooth relic of the Buddha, a revered symbol of the teachings of the Buddha. It is one of the most important holidays in Sri Lanka, celebrated with much pageantry, pomp, and circumstance. Esala Perahera is held in Kandy, the ancient capital of the island nation and home to the famous Temple of the Tooth.

Historical Context of Esala Perahera

Esala Perahera is a centuries-old celebration that has taken place in Sri Lanka from at least the fourth century. The event is linked to the arrival of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha in Kandy, which was brought from India in the fourth century. The relic is believed by Buddhists to be the actual tooth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of the religion. According to legend, the tooth was found in the ashes of the funeral pyre of the Buddha.

The relic was given to the King of Sri Lanka as a gesture of goodwill, and it became the most important symbol of the country’s Buddhist faith. It was housed in a temple built in honor of the relic, the Temple of the Tooth, in the city of Kandy.

Esala Perahera is held in the month of July or August each year, and it is a time of commemoration and thanksgiving for the country’s Buddhist community. The procession, complete with dancers and performers, travels through the city for seven days, pausing in front of the Temple of the Tooth each evening to perform an honored salute.

How Esala Perahera is Celebrated in Sri Lanka

Esala Perahera is an awe-inspiring festival that celebrates the Tooth Relic of the Buddha. The celebration is marked by a procession of richly decorated musical floats and elephant processions, as well as various other cultural performances.

The main event of the festival is the procession itself, which begins at the Temple of the Tooth in the city of Kandy and winds its way through the city for seven days. The procession is composed of elaborately dressed and beautifully adorned performers, dancers, and musicians. The procession also boasts about 50 to 60 colorfully decorated elephants, which makes for a spectacular display of pageantry.

The procession pauses at various places throughout the city, including the Temple of the Tooth, where the offerings of flowers, fruits, and incense are made to the Tooth Relic. This is followed by a grand elephant pageant, which is accompanied by music and dancing. On the seventh day of the festival, the procession culminates in the Kandy Lake, where a huge fireworks display marks its conclusion.

How Esala Perahera is Celebrated Around the World

In some countries, the celebration of Esala Perahera is based on the traditions of Kandy, Sri Lanka. This is the case in countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of China. In Myanmar, for example, the event is known as the Thadingyut Festival and is based on the same festive spirit as in Kandy, though with some local variations.

In other countries, such as India, the event takes on a slightly different form. Here, the celebration is part of an ancient Hindu festival known as Rath Yatra, which marks the journey of the Hindu gods to visit their devotees. In India, the festival is celebrated with much pomp and pageantry, including music, folk dances, and colorful processions.

The celebration of Esala Perahera is also celebrated in the United States and other parts of the world. Though the celebration may take on a different form, the underlying respect and reverence for the Tooth Relic and the teachings of the Buddha remain unchanged.

Conclusion

Esala Perahera is a beautiful festival celebrated in many countries, where it has become an integral part of the culture and tradition. Its importance as a symbol of the teachings of the Buddha is clear, and the vibrant pageantry and spirited performances make for an unforgettable experience. The holiday provides a unique insight into the culture and history of Sri Lanka, as well as its place in the global Buddhist community. No matter where you go to celebrate the holiday, the underlying meaning and symbolism of Esala Perahera will remain unchanged.

How to Say "Esala Perahera" In Different Languages?