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Different segments of the Kandy
Perahera
* Whip crackers - Indicates that the way should be cleared for the
perahera to pass and that it is coming closer.
* Fireball dancers (Gini bola karuwan) – Illuminate the way of the
procession, clear the path for the procession to proceed, attract the
attention of viewer and increase the viewers’ faith and piety towards
the Buddha.
* Buddhist flags - Indicate the arrival of a Buddhist procession. One
national flag is carried to symbolise the national nature of the
festival.
* Disa flags – The sun and moon flag of four korales, the lion flags
of seven korales, the swan flag of Uva, the white flag of Matale, the
yellow silk cloth flag of Sabaragamuwa, the twin-headed hawk flag of the
three korales, the peacock flag of Walapane, the lotus flag of
Udapalatha, the Gajasinghe flag of Nuwara Kalaviya, the tiger flag of
Wellassa, the parrot flag of Binthenna and the bear flag of Thamankaduwa
are carried.
Brass Disa flags are also part of the procession.
* Sword bearers - A traditional item which symbolises security and
protection to the perahera.
* Peramune Rala - Rides an elephant and carries the Lekammitiya
(containing the Perahera Sannasa and customs) along with its silver box.
* Drummers – Showcases drums, double drums (Thammattam), trumpets
(Horane), cymbals (Thalam), bugle horns (Kombuwa) and conches (Hakgedi).
* Gajanayaka Nilame - Chief of the Royal elephant stables, this high
official rides on an elephant
* Dancers with yaks’ tails (Chamara Netuma) - Yaks’ tails (chamara)
were used to fan kings, queens and other noble people and the dance
originated to depict this ancient item in the king’s council.
* Dancers using wooden sticks (Leekeli Kandayama) - A simple dance
which is isolated from caste dances. A folk dance which had originated
through the movement of sticks and notes of simple movements and
developed according to upcountry dancing traditions.
* Pantheru team – A special dance in the Kandyan dancing tradition.
(Pantheru is a round brass frame in which small double cymbals are fixed
to emit music. Can be played with both hands while dancing).
* Hawadi Dangaya (weaving of the waist chain/Hawadi) – An attractive
folk dance developed from Leekeli Netuma. The sticks in the Leekeli
Netuma are used along with ropes (of various colours) to weave and
unweave an attractive pattern while dancing.
* Nayyandi dancers - A traditional dance performed by two teams of
experienced artistes dressed in Nayyandi dancing ornaments. The geta
bera is played and verses used for upcountry dancing are sung.
* Kadu Saramba (sword fighting) - A popular folk dance where
panegyric verses, verses sung for battle, are used. Hand and body
movements are performed according to the beat of drums.
* Ves dancers - The highest and most honoured of all Kandyan dancing
items. Takes place in front of the Diyawadana Nilame.
* Kariya Karawana Korala - Chief officer under the Diyawadana Nilame
whose duty is to be in charge of the Sacred Relic casket.
* Naga Singham - Among the instruments played in the Nanumura
Mangallaya and other special festivities in the Dalada Maligawa. Was
added due to Hindu influence.
* Mangala tusker who carries the Sacred Relic casket - Travels with
two other tuskers on both sides. Raja accomplished the great task of
carrying the Sacred Relic casket for 50 years and accumulated much
merit. Later other tuskers were employed for this great and noble task.
* Kavikara Maduwa - The team of versifiers (in the Dalada Maligawa)
recite verses on the virtues of the Buddha and the Sacred Tooth Relic,
playing udekki, pantheru and cymbals.
* Those carrying flowers and oil lamps - A traditional custom
re-started recently.
* Diyawadana Nilame - Nineteen Diyawadana Nilames have participated
in the perahera since 1814 AD. Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara is the
current incumbent.
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