Perahera Essay:
Some Trails Are Not Meant To Vanish

Essay Writing Competition 2024
Category: 8 - 11 years
- Commendation -

Junior category: Commendation

Some Trails Are Not Meant To Vanish - Essay by Mumudi Gajadeera

Perahera Essay:
Some Trails Are Not Meant To Vanish

The most sacred elephant

With trunks, eight in number

And tusks no less than six

Bathing and frolicking in a pond

Not just any pond,

But in one of the 700 lotus ponds

Of the abode of the gods.

Gajaga Wannama, mixed with the characteristic vibrant sound of Geta Beraya, the traditional upcountry double membranous drum played with hand, will evoke strong emotions of reminiscence in any Sri Lankan. This is the unofficial theme of non-other than the Esala Perahera of Kandy.

And here I am witnessing the grand procession, for the first time in my life. All I can smell is the scorching fire of Whip Crackers nearby. I can hear heavy stomps of elephants, adorned in unique finely decorated dresses, proudly carrying the casket housing the Tooth Relic of Buddha. The thrill and excitement I am enveloped in, was beyond description.

Esala Perahara! The most spectacular procession of the country. It is an annual cultural procession which happens once a year and runs for 10 days. The climax is timed on the night of the Full Moon Poya Day of the month of August. This holy procession runs back to 3rd century BC, and it is a prayer for rainfall. The Tooth Relic of Buddha, housed in the Temple of Tooth Relic, is mounted on a carefully chosen royal elephant 'Maligawa Elephant', who carries the responsibility of transporting the relic along the streets of Kandy, the ancient kingdom.

Accompanying the Maligawa Elephant are numerous traditional local artists. Whip Crackers, torch holders, flag and canopy bearers, traditional drummers, Kandyan dancers are escorting the assemble of ‘Nilame’, the officials in charge of the Tooth Relic. The chief elephant is chaperoned by hundreds of equally ornamented elephants.

A daring and a breath-taking act is Fireball Acrobatics, which is performed by well-trained performers. The main procession is contributed by 4 other processions, each from 'Devala', the shines of 4 gods, Vishnu, Kataragama, Natha and Saman. When all artists, actually thousands of them, come together for the final procession, it is one enthralling assemble of traditional Sri Lankan arts and performances. These artists are well skilled and they have been a part of this holy happening for generations. They have dedicated their lives to keep these rare and strenuous art forms alive.

Thousands of local and foreign tourists visit Kandy to witness this remarkable gathering of unique artistic executions staged in the moon lit streets of the last kingdom of Sri Lanka. The night spent worths every second.

Looking at the full moon I cannot help, but wonder 'In hundred more years will this be the same? Will there be another 11 years older standing on this exact spot, mesmerized by what their country has saved for them. Will they know the hardships their fellow countrymen faced, to safeguard this heritage?'

With that I leave one last prayer 'Let them be strong enough as they have been all this time!'

In the Age category 8 - 11 years, Mumudi's intriguing account of the Perahera Festival is commended. Congratulations on your essay, Mumudi! We love reading your stories!

Mumudi Gajadeera attends Horizon College International in International, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Sinhalese is her home language.

Mumudi has participated in our competition before. Find her outstanding essays here: