Kandy Esala Perahera 2025

 

The Kandy Esala Perahera is the most popular outdoor event worldwide. It was conducted in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It emphasizes the heritage of Sri Lanka. Historical dancing styles, drum players music style, traditional songs, elephants enjoyable dancing style, and more things can be seen at this Kandy Esala Perahera event. It is conducted for the purpose of showing respect to Lord Buddha and wishing prosperity to all Sri Lankans and all people around the world. As well as it conducts for positive blessing to everyone. This Perahera group has some various functions compared with other Perahera groups.

Because most of the Perahera events emphasize that particular region's or area's tradition or dancing style. But the Kandy Esala Perahera belongs to more regions and more nations’ traditions and dancing styles. Sri Lanka has three main traditional dancing styles: Udarata, Pahatharata, and Sabaragamuwa. Generally those dancing styles can be seen separately in relevant provinces, but all these dancing styles can be seen in this Kandy Esala Perahera. As well as the Hindu dancing style, it can be seen at this Esala Perahera. These dancing styles and drum styles represent pride in all nations. It displays every nation’s unity.

You can see elephants walking with a proud, able style and young elephants dancing at the Perahera event. They are very attractive-looking when dressing in clothes with colorful lights. Elder elephants walking at this time are very responsible. Most of the local and foreign visitors are waiting to watch their behavior. Most of the time elephants are crying at the end of the Perahera event.

The Kandy Esala Perahera started in the 3rd century BCE. It is believed to be a fusion of two distinct yet interconnected processions, the Esala Perahera and the Dalada Perahera. This festival is held from 30th July to 9th August every year. The reason that Kandy Perahera falls in July is that Buddhists believe that the first teaching of Lord Buddha was given to the five disciples in this month after Saga Siddhartha became enlightened.

Folk Games in Sri Lanka

There are very attractive games in traditional Sri Lankan culture. Most games help to improve human thinking ability, strategic methods, adherence, and teamwork. These games help to build positive relationships and the best qualities among Sri Lankan people. This game builds unity of society. Let's explore these traditional games.

Placing the Eye on the Elephant (Aliyata ehe thabeema)

Placing the Eye on the Elephant is one of the most popular outdoor games in Sri Lanka. There is a big elephant drawn on the blackboard. The competitor’s eyes are covered by cloth, so blindly, they can’t see anything through this cloth. Then the competitor gets close to the blackboard and correctly marks the eye on the elephant’s eye spot. This game is played individually, but it is a very funny game.

Game of Olinda (Olinda Keliya)

Olinda keliya is one of the most popular traditional indoor games in Sri Lanka. This game is played by two players who are seated on opposite sides of the board. Nine slots on the board hold four beads each. To play this game, use Olinda seeds (small red-colored seeds). This game involves playing one Olinda seed and moving to another empty hole. The winner select as more seeds collecting person against to opposite party. This game play in Sinhala New year duration.

Going on the swing (Onchilla Padeema)

Going on the swing is considered a very enjoyable and lovely game. There is a heavy rope being used and bound on a strong tree. This rope is decorated; some colorful flowers and natural leaves are used. It is considered a couple's game. Because young men and women play this game. That time couple singing some traditional songs. It is used to help them develop a relationship. When the boy throws this rope top into the air, his female partner has faith in him and grabs the rope firmly. It will be extremely uncomfortable to reach the top, but the experience will be enjoyable.

Game of Pancha (Pancha Keliya)

Pancha keliya is another most popular traditional indoor game in Sri Lanka. This game is played between two groups. Five little seashells and a coconut shell are used to play this game. The most important thing is that the player is skilled and precise. One player throws all five seashells into the air and tries to catch them on the back of their hand. The goal is to go through various “rounds” of increasingly difficult throws and catches. To win this game, a player should have balance and hand-eye coordination skills.

Tug of war (Kamba Adeema)

This game is an outdoor game. It uses very strong rope. This game is played between 02 teams. They are tugging the rope against the opposite side. Most strong teams win this game. Players should have a team concept; following team leaders advice, strategic playing ability, and strong playing ability are must-have factors to play this game competitively.