Cultural Exploration of Sri Lanka | Gatabaru Perahera (procession)

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What do you see when watching at least some of the parts of the above video? Well, that's our culture. 2500+ years old proud culture. Mainly a mix of Sri Lankan traditional dances of Buddhist and Hindu cultures, and some recently added modern ones. The most famous Perahera (procession) in Sri Lanka held annually is Kandy Esala Perahera. Kataragama, Sumana Saman dewalaya, Dondra and many religious places across the island organize them.

The sole purpose of the festival is for devotees to express their religious devotion and showcase their cultural values through rituals, music, and dances.

Two weeks back I shared about one of the historical places in Sri Lanka, Gatabaru Temple and I promised you to talk about it's Perahara/ parade. So, now is the time for it.

Gini Bola/ fireball dancers

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As I said in the previous article, "God Rajjuru Bandara is considered the protector of this area, and the temple is dedicated to him". So, this perehara is also a devotion mainly to him, Lord Buddha. In line with the full moon day in September, the festival is held annually in a very noble way. It's one of the most significant and biggest ones in the Southern part of the country.

The perahara is officially started with the kap situweema (rituals to place a holy flagpole). This year, three mini-processions from the neighboring villagers and two main (randoli perahara) processions were organized.

Dancing items

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So, the first three days are organized by three surrounding villages namely, Hingurupanagala, Waralla, and kosmodara. Whole organizing and donations are done by these villages and every day is a grand festival. So, usually starting from these villages the perahara goes to the Gatabaru Temple along the main road.

The first ones to walk in the perahara are usually whip crackers. They announce their coming and clear the path for the others. Then the fireball dancers, traditional drummers, dancers, flag-bearers, and elephants perform at the perahara.

Gini Bola/ fireball dancers

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We usually see Kandyan, low-country, or Sabaragamuwa dances that originated based on the different parts of the country. There are significant differences in the dance itself, the instruments used, the outputs, songs as well. Apart from them, Hindu items also can be seen with this.

Dancing items

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Along with processions, a thorana (actually there are no certain English words for these), just like in the image below, near the entrance of the temple. It's usually a decorative structure with beautiful designs, colors, and illuminated lights, etc. Normally they show Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's previous lives), or a Buddha's teaching, an important incident, etc.

Thorana/ decorative archway

After the first three days, the poya day and the day before that are dedicated to the final grand/ randoli processions. Apart from the above items, carrying of the Sacred Relic Casket, that believed to contain relics of the Buddha holds a special place. Usually, a tusker is carrying it along with the chanting and offerings. So, finally, the ceremony is concluded with a Deva Danaya (a type of special rice made as offerings to gods) and Deva Thovilaya (a Hindu ceremony) at the temple.

So, this year I got the chance to see Gatabaru procession for the first time. So, it's a Sri Lankan traditional event mainly combined with Buddhist and Hindu culture.

It was an unforgettable experience for me and I invite you to visit Sri Lanka to witness if you can.

Until the next time! Enjoy!

Thank you.
Best Regards!