The Grandest Pageant of Asia is something. It is a journey into Kandys Sacred Summer Festival. When the sun goes down over the hills of Sri Lanka everything gets quiet. Then the night becomes a show of medieval grandeur.
The Kandyan Perahera is a deal. It is a ten-day festival that shows how strong the faith and art of the island are. For over two centuries this festival has turned the streets of Kandy into a sea of torches drumbeats and dancers. People who get to see it are lucky. They get to experience the history of the kingdom.
The festival has a history. It started with devotion and royal politics. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is at the center of it. The parade is to honor the tooth of the Buddha. This tooth is very important. It was used to validate a monarchs right to rule the island.
Originally the festival was a prayer to the Hindu gods. It was to ask for rain for the rice crops. Over time it became a celebration. Now it is a procession that shows the unique culture of the hill country.
When you see the parade it is an experience. Every performance has a lot of meaning. The parade starts with the sound of whips. This is to clear the path of spirits. Then come the fire-twirlers. They spin wheels of coconut husks into circles of light.
The Kandyan dancers are next. They wear headdresses and chest plates. They dance to the rhythms of drums. The best part of the parade is the elephant. It is draped in fairy lights. Carries a golden casket.
If you want to join the festival you need to plan. The event is based on the calendar. It happens over ten days in July or August. The grand parade is on the night of the moon. You can watch from the pavements. Buy gallery seats.
It is an idea to stay in the hills near the lake. This way you can avoid traffic. When you are in Kandy you can feel the energy of the city. You can see the preparations in the temple courtyards. Also You can try foods like cassava chips and jaggery hoppers.
You should dress modestly for the festival. Wear light-colored clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. When the festival is over you will leave Kandy with an appreciation, for the magic and devotion of Sri Lanka. The Kandyan Perahera is a special experience. The festival is a part of Kandys culture. Kandys Sacred Summer Festival is something you will never forget.
