the main Tusker who carries the sacred casket of the Tooth Relic is Indi Raja
The month of Esala sets the city of Kandy in a festive mood. The air is filled with colour, traditional music, dance and religious harmony. The Sinhalese prepare to express their devotion and pay tribute to the sacred Tooth Relic which is in the possession of them since the 4th century CE courtesy the Kalinga Princess Hemamala who - along with the Prince Danta - brought the sacred Tooth Relic to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Kithsirmevan of Anuradhapura.
Out of all the peraheras held in Sri Lanka the Kandy Dalada Perahera is the grandest pageant and the most splendid one. This perahera not only possesses the essence of Buddhism but also the remnants of our folk religion in many aspects of the perahera, making it the perfect example of the island’s religious harmony and intriguing cultural fusion that continue to exist for more than two millennia.
The Kandy Esala Perahera commences after the ritual of kap situweema which is performed in secrecy. Then the first Kumbal Perahera starts and continues for five days. The first Kumbal Perahera is called the Maligawa Perahera which is followed by the Visnu, Natha, Kataragama and Pattini Devala peraheras. After the last Kumbal Perahera, the Randoli Perahera commences. This once again continues for five days with the inclusion of peraheras of the four Devalas. The last Randoli Perahera is considered to be the grandest and the most spectacular of them all.
After the Randoli Perahera, the diya kapeema ritual which is a sacred ritual that reminds us of our age-old folk beliefs is performed. On the last day, the Diva Perahera (Day Perahera) is performed marking the end of the Kandy Esala Perahera.
The Kandy Esala Perahera is known as the only perahera in the world that is held for ten consecutive days. Also what is interesting is the large number of elephants and tuskers that are parading in the perahera. This year, the main Tusker who carries the sacred casket of the Tooth Relic is Indi Raja. Other tuskers taking part in this year’s perahera include Sinha Raja, Myan Raja, Buruma Raja, Dala Puttuwa of the Natha Devala, and Kotte Raja.
