Perahera Culture

The Perahera culture that carries the Sri Lankan identity to the world is the pinnacle of Buddhism as well as faith in God. This procession can be pointed out as an exhibition of the relics of the Buddha as well as a cultural event that reflects the concept of divinity. The following are examples of processions with a Buddhist face.

                Eg:-Dalada Perahera, Kelaniya Perahera, Bellanvila Perahera, Mahiyangana Perahera

The following are some examples of Dewalaya based processions.

                                       Eg:- Ruhunu maha Katharagama dewala perahera, Saman dewala perahera, Seenigama perahera, Dewinuwara wishnu dewala perahera.

All of this reflects the Sri Lankan religious culture and the unwavering support of foreign audiences. I also had the opportunity to dance in several of these processions. It can be described as the most beautiful as well as the most rewarding experience of a dancing life.

But today, the corona epidemic poses a great challenge to the culture of this procession. Kandyan,low country,sabaragamuwa as well as creative dance troupes who danced amidst the enthusiasm of the audience have now run out of space to perform their performances without the participation of the audience.

Today, we all wish that this epidemic would soon be eradicated from the country and that the perahera culture, the performing arts of Kandyan,low country and Sabaragamuwa, would be able to perform in a truly spectacular manner as before.