Navam Maha Perahera - city pageant

by Kalakeerthi EDWIN ARIYADASA

The annual Navam Maha Perahera of the Gangarama temple, will be held on February 6 and 7. The Perahera will commence at 7 p.m. each day.

The annual panoplied presence of the Navam Maha Perahera pageant of the Gangarama temple, adds a spiritual glitter and a cultural lustre to the city of Colombo.

By nature a metropolis is perpetually abuzz and a bustle, with the overwhelming din of heavy vehicular traffic. Cities are always astir.

Their environment is invariably tumultuous. Moments of peace, calm, serenity and tranquillity are extremely rare in urban centres.

To such a turbulent atmosphere, the annual Navam Maha Perahera, imparts a soothing touch, that will remain with the spectators as a long–lasting memory.

This mobile, spiritual and cultural oasis in city of Colombo, has continued uninterrupted for 32 years.

Traditional path

This year, in its 33rd parade along its traditional path, the Navam Maha Perahera, will considerably enhance the serene joy and emotion of the spectators, with a series of added and innovated itesm.

Pageants, parades, processions are staple itmes in most cultures in the world. But, in the field of spectacular religious and spiritual Peraheras, Asian region is very much in the vanguard. Among those Asian lands globally reputed for their spectacular religious pageants, Sri Lanka is undoubtedly in the forefront.

Kandy Perahera, associated with the Temple of the sacred Tooth Relic, is among the oldest religious pageants in the world.

Majestic tusker

At one stage it used to be said, that the majestic tusker who so solemnly bore the relic casket, was the most photographed animal in the world.

Over the sweep of long centuries, the Perahera the Sacred Tooth Relic, continued to be held under royal patronage.

Traditional villages and clans were associated with its intricate rituals.

Pageants take place centering on many shrines in various areas of the island.

Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Maha Nayaka Thera, chief incumbent, Gangarama temple, felt the need of a spiritual pageant in the capital city of Colombo, to elevate the soul of the metropolis into high spiritual and aesthetic levels.

The annual Navam Maha Perahera, is the spectacular outcome of the determination of this leading, dynamic Nayaka Maha Thera.

From the moment of its initial conceptualisation, the Annual Navam Maha Perahera, was unique.

Traditions

One of the central aims of the pageant, was to bring together all the traditions and schools of indigenous dancing and entertainment.

In the Navam Maha Perahera, the spectator will view a moving pageant that brings together the traditions of low country, up country and Sabaragamuwa.

In addition, the folk entertainment systems of the Tamils and the Muslims are also accommodated in Navam Maha Perahera.Departing from other forms of peraheras in our country, the vanquish of the Navam Maha Perahera, is manned by an advanced communications unit.

The orderly procedures are regulated by this unit.

This is followed by the traditional whip crackers, who are the advance announcers of the arrival of the procession (perahera)

Flags

An area specific to the Navam Maha Perahera is the display of Sri Lanka’s flags.

These include the national flags, the provincial flags and the district flags.

The Buddhist flag occupies a special stature of distinction. Buddhist flags are displayed along with ancillary flags, that indicate the composition of the Buddhist flag.

The disciplined, serene Buddhist monks who participate in the perehera, contribute substantially towards the spiritual component of the pageant.

The spectacularly caparisoned, majestic tusker, bears the Sacred Relic Casket, flanked by two solemnly marching elephants.

When the Sacred Relic Casket appears, the spectators rise in due deference to the holy presence.

This spontaneous display of religious fervour, is rarely seen in other pageants.

Parade

The parade of the ceremonially dressed police officers, contributes a fresh touch to the perehera.

What is especially praiseworthy about the Navam Maha Pereha, is the effort to keep traditional dance – forms alive.

Although the event takes place but once a year, these traditional communities, who still indulge in folk-arts, find the participation in Navam perehera, a significant impetus.

As a whole, the Navam Maha Perahera, is a remarkable triumph of the organisational dexterity of all those involved in the arrangements. The attention to detail is highly impressive.

Many may not be aware that, the organising of this impressive pageant, represents the tireless efforts of a whole series of monks – led so admirably, of cause, by Podihamuduruwo.

Over the years, Navam Maha Perahera, has firmly established itself as a bright spot in the spiritual and cultural life of this noble land.

Testimony

Those devotees both local and foreign who so lavishly patronise this sacred event, are an eloquent testimony to the high stature, Navam Maha Perahera has been able to achieve.

The event has progressed so exquisitely, that many tourists from abroad, arrange their travels, especially to imbibe this rare experience provided by the Perahera.

May the Navam Maha Perahera flourish making Colombo a special city of religious pageants.