Spectacular moments of January

by Rukmal Gamage

Adhering to a tradition dating back from 1927, this year too, the "Duruthu Perahera" was held on the pre-full moon day of the month of January with hundreds and thousands of people gathering from all parts of the country, at the temple grounds to witness this spectacular pageant.

The procession displays the ancient traditions and the cultural heritage of the country and demonstrates to the world the age-old traditional folklore, folk music and the rhythmic dance forms and drum beats which have become an integral part of our culture.

The Duruthu Festival is celebrated in three colourful stages; the First Perahera - 'Udamaluwa Perahera' is held on the upper temple terrace. At the auspicious moment the sacred casket is handed to the chief Basnayake Nilame to announce the start of the perahera.

Only a few elephants participate on this occasion, together with the usual, flag-bearers, whip-crackers, fire-ball dancers and drummers. The Basnayake Nilames and the members of the Dayaka Sabha (the organizing committee) walk in the procession attired in their white dresses. The sacred casket placed on a colourful cushion, is carried by hand, in full reverence.

The Second Perahera - "Pahathamaluwa Perahera" is more colourful than the first, with the elephant carrying the relic casket and those carrying the divine insignia followed by the Basnayake Nilame and his retinue.

The Third and the Final Procession - "Randoli Perahera" is the climax of the whole festival and is usually held on the pre-full moon day of January. This is the most colourful and magnificent of the processions.