The streets of Colombo come alive every February with the flamboyant display of the Navam Perahera, an annual cultural procession organized by the revered Gangaramaya Temple. In its 46th edition, scheduled for February 23 and 24, this festival captivates both local and overseas spectators, epitomizing the rich cultural tradition of the capital city.
Founded by the Ven.Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Maha Thera, Gangaramaya Temple stands as a sacred institution of international repute, blending worship and learning in its hallowed halls. In 1979, Ven. Dr. Galboda Gnanissara Thera began the Navam Perahera under the auspices of then Prime Minister, Ranasinghe Premadasa. This annual event was efficiently organized and continued by Podi Hamuduruvo.
Invoking blessing on Podi Hamuduruvo, his pupils, led by Ven.Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera, continue the legacy, getting support locally and internationally. The meticulous planning of the pageant involves discussions with various committees and authorities, leading up to a series of events invoking blessings.
Atavisi Buddha pooja, Kesha Dhatu pooja, Sathi Pirith, seven-day long Mal perahera, sprinkling of Ladapasmal bathed in pirith water on streets bathed in turmeric infused water and giving pirith water to the Tuskers and elephants partaking in the perahera set the stage for the grand spectacle.
Gangaramaya Temple, is committed to vocational training, community development, and environmental conservation, brings forth traditional artistes, monks, and youth in the perahera, symbolizing a convergence of heritage and community welfare. Though not all age-old rituals are followed, Sri Lankans have preserved the essence of peraheras, embodying their rich culture and traditions. Despite differing opinions on its feudal origins, perahera remains a spiritual journey. Amidst the evolving traditions, perahera stands as an event promoting harmony among diverse cultures. It is an evolving traditional feature, unique to Sri Lanka, nurturing the nation’s rich heritage.
The tradition of peraheras, parading the streets, traces its origins back to the time of Gautama Buddha. Historical accounts depict a procession where “The remains of the Buddha were brought with deities dancing, singing, and sprinkling flowers and scents as a mark of respect. The procession moved north of the city, re-entered through its Northern gates, reached the center, and exited from the city’s Eastern gates towards the Mukutabandhana chetiya of Mallas for cremation.”
The cultural significance of Perahera, the grand procession, is deeply rooted not only in ancient Lanka but also resonates in Bharat – India. This is exemplified in the Sri Mahabo Perahera held during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa (207BC to 267BC). Guided by Arhant Mahinda thera , Emperor Asoka’s son on a mission to Lanka, the king learned rituals. In preparation for the procession, streets were covered with white sand, adorned with numerous flags, carrying the sacred Bo sapling brought by Emperor Ashoka’s daughter – Sangamitta Therani. They reached Anuradhapura from its Northern gate after three days of performing poojas and round-the-clock rituals.
According to records by Fa Hien, the Chinese monk, Ven. Prof. Walpola Rahula Maha Thera mentions that in ancient Lanka, an annual pageant of images unfolded on the eighth day of the second month. This spectacle involved platforms made on top of a stack of bamboo placed on four wheels, housing gold and silver statues of deities. Each compartment contained a Buddha statue and a statue of a Bodhisattva, facing four sides of the mobile image house.
This ancient tradition can be likened to a contemporary parade float. Ven. Prof. Walpola Rahula Maha Thera vividly describes the spectacle, noting twenty such mobile image houses, each distinct from the other. Pages 608 and 609 of Mahavamsa by Dr.Gunapala Weerasekera recount the grand processions organized by King Vijayabhau III of Dambadeniya (1232-1236). In these processions, Buddhist monks paraded behind the sacred relic, conveyed from Dambadeniya to Polonnaruwa.
The spectacle included monks and laypeople with pearl-studded ornate umbrellas, traditional fans, gold and silver for offerings, reliquaries, jewellry, and pearl studded ornate flags. The majestic Tuskers and horses, accompanied by various performers and officials, rendered the procession a truly awe-inspiring sight.
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