Kandy Esela Perahera The Most Magnificent Pageant

At an altitude of about 550m above sea level lies the old “Senkadagala Rajadaniya,” the present day referred to as Mahanuwara or Kandy. Famed world over for its scenic beauty, Kandy is steeped in deep history running back to many hundreds of years. The Kandy City was initially founded by King Wimaladharmasuriya

in the year 1592. Kandy was also the last royal citadel of Sri Lanka until it was captured by the British in 1815.

Nature was more than kind to Kandy. It bestowed Kandy with many beautiful sights. Kandy is a valley surrounded by magnificent hills which while lending beauty, also made it secure for the Sinhala Kings as a strong bastion when attacked by enemies. Any visitor to Kandy would find themselves sharing an unique life experience since the atmosphere and the environment in Kandy is a rich and unique mix of history, beauty and culture. It’s a sp

ecial city with a charm of its own. Even the city’s inhabitants, their lifestyles, the pace of life, arts and crafts and even the roadways cramped with shops, all lend their unique charm to make Kandy a special city.

The city is full of ancient temple buildings, handicraft and souvenir shops, rich cultural practices and rituals and permeating all this, the melodious sounds of the drums of the Maligawa (The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) announcing the special Pooja offerings. The very air is heavy with the scent of offerings of flowers, incense and lighted lamps at the Maligawa that, immediately upon arriving in the city, all your senses are assailed by these enchantments.

History of the Perahera

One major aspect why Kandy enjoys so much attention locally and internationally is the colourful cultural pageant that walks its streets during the Esela month. The Perahera has a long history.

Peraheras (pageants) were held in the country many years ago to commemorate various events. Among these, there were mythical as well as traditional and historical events which were of special significance to the country or to

seek the help of the deities for victory in war or success in secular undertakings.

The Dalada Maligawa, which house

s the sacred Tooth relic of the Lord Buddha, is the centre of the Esela Perahera. The custodian today, of the Sacred Tooth Relic are the High Priests of Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapter and the lay custodian is the Diyawadana Nilame.

The Story of Sigiriya

Sigiriya was no mere fortress, gloomy and forbidding. At the brief height of its glory-it was a royal citadel for more than 18 years, from 477 to 495 A.D. and one of the loveliest that have graced this land.

There are many interpretations of the Sigiriya period, history replete with legend, love and betrayal. But one story remains, the story of Kaspaya (477-495 A.D.) its creator, King with an artist's soul. Bards have written a

bout him and plays and film have tired to capture his personality.

Kasyapa left Anuradhapura and built for himself at Sigiriya, a palace and city modelled on the mythical abode of "Kuvera" God of Wealth. He gave form to his dreams of grandeur. Eighteen years later, his half-brother Moggallan challenged him with an army. By one of those momentary mistake of judgement that changes the course of history. Kasyapa thought he was alone in battle, raised his dagger and slew himself.

History and information for admspeak(sri pada)

The following quote is from 'The Worlds Great Religions' - where I read about Sri Pada the first time and made me look forward to it.

Buddhist pilgrims climbs the 2245m (7242ft) high mountain to honor the legendary footprint of Buddha. Approx. 300.000 pilgrims visit this place a year. Sri Pada means "holy footprint". To the Hindus the mountain is holy for another reason: they call it "Shivas Peak". Christians from the old Indian Church think that the apostle Thomas have lived there during his mission in India, and the Muslims call it "Adam's Peak" and interpret the footprints as those of the first man. In the history of religions, Sri Pada is a holy mountain of classic importa