For Buddhists throughout the world, the Buddha is revered for his service to humanity. During the time he was alive and ever since his death, his teachings have guided people in their earthly lives and their spiritual journey, it has comforted people and freed and liberated them. It is this overwhelming gratitude that is the basis for the Kandy Esala Perahera.
When the Buddha passed away over 2500 years ago, according to historical sources it was the left tooth was brought to Sri Lanka. It is known as the Relic of the Tooth of Buddha. The Kandy Esala Perahera (the Sri Dalada Perahara procession of Kandy) is parading streets from in July and August in Kandy. This historical procession is held annually to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, which is housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. It is one of the most anticipated events of the year in Sri Lanka.
The tooth has an intriguing and fascinating history. It is said that the tooth relic was brought to Sri Lanka with Prince Dantha and Princess Hemamala during the 4th century AD. This was only possible because the royal couple was in disguise and the princess hid the tooth relic in her hair ornament. Sirimeghavanna, also known as Kirthi Sri Meghavarna and Kithsirimevan was King of Anuradhapura in the 4th century. He welcomed the royal couple and ordered that an annual Perahera be held in honor of the Sacred Relic. These are the origins of the Kandy Esala Perahera.
As time went on, Sri Lanka was threatened with foreign aggressors, and the seat of the kingdom shifted from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa and thereafter to Dambadeniya and other cities. With every change of capital, a new palace was built to enshrine the relic. Finally, it was brought to Kandy, where it is at present in the Sri Dalada Maligawa temple.
The tooth also has political significance. A belief grew that whoever possessed the Sacred Tooth Relic had a divine right to rule that land. Ever since King Kithsirimevan welcomed the royal couple, to this day, rulers of Sri Lanka have pledged to protect the tooth relic. This is the pride of our nation -the Sacred Tooth Relic as the most revered treasure in our country. Our ancient kings risked their lives to protect the Sacred Tooth Relic. That is the power of the sacred Tooth relic. Sri Lanka has faced so many foreign invasions, but the Sacred Tooth Relic has always been protected.
We are told that after the Kandyan Kingdom fell to the British in 1815, the custody of the relic was handed over to the Maha Sangha. In the absence of the king, a chief lay custodian called the Diyawadana Nilame was appointed to handle routine administrative matters concerning the relic and its care. He holds the responsibility of assets and properties of Maligawa and the regulation of duties of others. Officials in the service of the Sacred Tooth Relic are also entrusted to him.
Kandy Esala Perahera is a splendid event with much pomp and pageantry. It is one of the oldest cultural events in the world. The event features dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire-breathers, and the majestic tuskers. These powerful beasts illuminated and dressed in colorful attire,can be seen slowly making their way through the streets, walking with dignity and grace, while on all sides the crowds can be seen marveling at the display in front of them. The whip crackers, flag bearers, drummers and dancers generate a level of excitement that is almost palpable. The tuskers themselves create an aura of power. The Maligawa Tusker, lord of the elephants and men, is the center of attraction. The beast carries the golden casket containing the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. No greater honor can be bestowed upon a beast in the land of Sri Lanka!
The Kandy Esala Perahera is more than a religious and cultural festival. Foreign tourists from all parts of the world flock to Kandy to see these festivities (for some of them it is a once in a lifetime event). There is tremendous excitement here. There is a difference between seeing something on the internet and actually experiencing it! In addition to paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, the Perahera also brings in valuable foreign exchange into Sri Lanka. Some of these tourists come from environments where their only exposure to elephants maybe at a zoo or seeing them on the internet. To see a unique display like the Kandy Esala Perahera is something new and vibrant to them. To feel that sort of ‘camaraderie’ with the locals is also something very memorable to them. No doubt the rooms in hotels in Kandy must be fully booked!
This year’s Esala Festival will officially come to an end after the Nilames together with the Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of Tooth Relic, Pradeep Nilanga Dela present the Sannasa (Scroll) to the President.
