CultureTV's video: Madinnagoda Temple Perahara

Rajagiriya, Madinnagoda Sri Suramyaramaya Temple Held annually in the full-moon month of ‘Esala’, the Rajagiriya Esala Perahera is the ultimate celebration and showcase of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. The significance of the month of ‘Esala’ (which falls on July or August) is that it is believed to commemorate the very first teaching imparted by the Buddha, following his enlightenment. The Sinhalese term ‘Perahera’ refers to a procession of ceremonial musicians, drummers, dancers, singers, The fireball dancers (gini bola), acrobats, whip crackers, flag bearers, sword carriers and various other performers accompanied by a large number of elaborately adorned elephants parading the streets in celebration of a religious event. M.E.C.B Madinnagoda Eastern Cadet Band playing the event. A spectacular site as Fire Ball Dancers perform along a street in Madinnagoda aria during the Esala Perahera (procession) in Sri Lanka. The Fire Ball Dancers play an important role at the beginning of the procession as they drive the darkness of the night away from the route so that the proceeding performers and elephant groups are enlightened. The Esala Perahera is held to honour the Sacred Relic of Lord Buddha which is enshrined within the Temple of the Madinnagoda Sri Suramyarama Purana Maha Vihara and is considered one of the most colourful processions in the world. the Esela Perahera is also conducted with the intention of beseeching blessings from the divinities for bountiful rains and a prosperous harvest, as well as an intercession to shower blessings on the people. The annual Esala Festival of the Madinnagoda Sri Suramyaramaya Temple commenced on Monday (22) with a colourful night Perehera at Madinnagoda Rajagiriya. The Dayaka Sabha of the tem­ple organized the fes­ti­val for the 78th year on the guid­ance of the Chief In­cum­bent of the tem­ple Ven. Do­dan­golle Pan­nananda Thera. The fes­ti­val will end next Sun­day (28) with the fi­nal Pere­hera. A flamboyant fusion of history, culture and religion: Exploring every facet of Sri Lankan culture and Buddhist heritage, the Esala Perahera features an endless variety of traditional local dances, including graceful Kandyan dances, striking whip and fire dances and many other folklore inspired performances. During each perahera, a myriad of festively dressed Kandyan drummers, eastern percussionists, singers and acrobats along with mahouts chaperoning dazzlingly embellished tuskers and elephants take to the streets to illuminate and enliven the procession. Idyllically located amidst all the action, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy will once again join the nation in celebrating the grand festival, whilst offering a convenient base from which guests can experience and enjoy the bustling festivities during the Perahera season.