Sittamgallena Rajamaha Vihara:

Historic Esala pageant revives ancient customs

By R.S. Karunaratne

The Esala Maha Perahera of the historic Sittamgallena Rajamaha Vihara, Walasmulla in the Hambantota district is being held for the 44th consecutive year. The Esala pageant will conclude on October 14.The Randoli Perahera will parade the streets on October 12 at 9 p.m. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Chief Minister Uva PS Shashindra Rajapaksa, Hambantota District MP Namal Rajapaksa and Defence Minister Gotabhaya Rajapaksa will grace the occasion.

God Siddha Rajjuru Bandara

The Sittamgallena Esala pageant has a chequered history. The perahera in ancient times originated in the village when farmers were taking a much needed rest after the harvest season. That was the time for them to pay homage to the gods who helped them to reap a good harvest.

It was the custom for farmers to offer a part of their harvest to the gods as a token of appreciation. Similar customs were observed in other areas in the south such as Getabaruva, Thumbevula and Devundara.

God Kataragama occupied an important place among the gods who helped farmers to reap a good harvest. God Siddha Rajjuru Bandara spread his power throughout the Nilvala basin covering areas such as Giruvapattuva and the surrounding villages. The Sittamgallena perahera is held annually to pay homage to God Siddha Rajjuru Bandara.

The perahera showcases the cultural heritage and traditions of the village in no small measure. For instance, the 'Peli Perahera' signifies the unity among the villagers. The Esala pageant is a colourful event with many dancers, elephants and other cultural events. At the end of the perahera, villagers hold the 'Kolmura Yagaya' with 'Deva Danaya' distributed among the villagers.

A unique event in the perahera is 'Maha baba kolama' generally not found in other Esala pageants in the country. The perahera also depicts the 'Wish-fulfilling tree', 'Barber saloon', and 'Linda Langa Sanvadaya'. Among the other items that form part of the perahera are Salupaliya, Yak Beraya, Nanumuraya, Suddha Mathrava, Thelme, Gara Nartanaya and Daha ata Paliya.

The Salupaliya is held to honour Goddess Pattini. She is the Goddess of Fertility. According to folklore, she had the unusual power of cultivating the best of paddy varieties. On the other hand, people pay homage to Gara Yaka to get rid of evil and diseases.

With the appointment of the new Basnayake Nilame Kithsiri Ganganath Abeygoonewardene the Esala pageant now receives State patronage. He has developed the roads and provided the vihara with electricity. He has also opened a new website giving all the information about Sittamgallena Raja Maha Vihara and the historic Esala Perahera.