Bellanwila Esala Maha Perahera from August 7 to 25

Amongst all the Buddhist temples across the country that are being worshiped by hundreds of devotees every day, Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya holds a special place.

The period from August 7 to 25 is particularly special for Bellanwila Temple as the Bellanwila Annual Esala Maha Perahera is held during that time. The Esala Maha Perahera is a captivating festival that invigorates the minds of devotees. This is not just a festival but a 19-day-long blessing.

This festival, which has held for the past 74 years, was initiated by the former Chief Incumbent of the Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya, the late Ven. Somarathana Thera, with very few resources. By the time he passed away in 1984, he had turned it into a national religious festival.

In 1947, a severe cow disease spread throughout the beautiful village of Bellanwila, resulting in a large number of deaths of cows. Saddened by the incident, the Chief Incumbent, the late Ven. Somarathana Thera, sought a solution. He believed that with the blessings of the Triple Gem and the gods, the people could overcome this disease. Thus, he initiated a perahera festival with the help of the villagers by taking the casket of relics around the village.

In January 1947, the Duruthu Perahera began in order to bless the villagers. The blessing of the Duruthu Perahera brought positive changes to the lives of the people.

The Perahera festival continued in 1948 and 1949, aiming to bring blessings to the villagers. However, in 1950, the Duruthu Perahera, typically held in January, was rescheduled to July and August due to unavoidable circumstances.

In 1984, the Chief Incumbent, Ven. Somarathana Thera passed away during the preparations for the 34th Esala Perahera Festival. Following this, the current Chief Incumbent of the Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya, Prof. Ven. Bellanwila Dhammarathana Thera, along with the late Prof. Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thera, took charge of the Esala Perahera, ensuring its successful continuation.

After the passing of Prof. Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thera, the responsibility was taken up by the Chief Incumbent, Prof. Ven. Bellanwila Dhammarathana Thera, for the last 6 years. Despite being capable of managing everything for the Esala Perahera Festival, he delegated the responsibility to the Esala Perahera committee. Currently, the festival is being organised by the Esala Perahera committee under the guidance of Ven. Bellanwila Dhammarathana Thera.

The annual commoration of the late Ven. Somarathana Thera and the late Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thera is held on August 3 and 4 at Prachawanodaya Maha Pirivena in Molligoda. Starting with the sermons on August 07, followed by auspicious Pirith sermons for a week, the Dorakada Asna, Dewa Dutha Perahara Kumbal Perahera, Mal Perahera, Pawada Perahera, Ran Seevali Perahera and Randoli Perahera will be held until August 24 and the water cutting ceremony and Dewa Dhanaya will be held the following day to end the festival.

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