Temple perahera
12 videos • 13 views • by Herbal Lanka The term "perahera" refers to a grand procession or parade that takes place annually in Sri Lanka, specifically in relation to religious festivals. While there are several famous peraheras held in different cities and towns across the country, the Kandy Esala Perahera is widely considered the most significant and renowned. The Kandy Esala Perahera, also known as the Kandy Festival, is held in the city of Kandy, located in central Sri Lanka. It takes place over ten consecutive nights in the month of Esala (July or August) and culminates in the grand finale known as the Randoli Perahera. The perahera is held to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, which is housed in the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy. During the perahera, the streets of Kandy come alive with vibrant processions featuring beautifully adorned elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, fire performers, and various religious and cultural acts. The highlight of the perahera is the ornately decorated Maligawa Tusker, a majestic elephant that carries a replica of the Sacred Tooth Relic on its back. The perahera procession follows a specific order, with different groups representing different aspects of Sri Lankan culture and religion. These groups include flag bearers, traditional dancers, drummers, whip crackers, acrobats, and various other performers. The perahera concludes with the traditional "diya-kepeema" ceremony, where a giant casket of coconut shells filled with burning oil is paraded through the streets. The Kandy Esala Perahera attracts a large number of local and international tourists each year. It is a vibrant and colorful celebration that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and is considered one of the most significant religious events on the island.