May 10, 2024 / Buddhist Festivals
Buddha Rashmi National Vesak Festival Gangaramaya 23,24,25,26 May 2024
The Buddha Rashmi Pooja, the National Vesak Festival will illuminate the region once again in commemoration of the Vesak Poya that falls in May. During this period the Gangaramaya Temple together with the Presidential Secretariat will facilitate the festival, transforming a precinct earmarked as the ‘Vesak Kalapaya’ for this principal Buddhist event of the Annual Calendar, signifying the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinibbana or Passing of Lord Buddha.
Buddha Rashmi Vesak Festival 2024 at the Gangarama Temple presents a great opportunity to attract tourists and promote the country’s tourism industry.
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May 8, 2024 / Buddhist Festivals
Mahanuwara (Kandy) Esala Perahera 10-20 August 2024
The Mahanuwara (Kandy) Esala Perahera Procession is considered one of the most beautiful of such processions in all of Asia and is hosted by the Sri Dalanda Maligawa, the Temple of Tooth Relic. It is the most valuable cultural event of the country in which almost all the traditional performances and arts are showcased. This world-famous Buddhist Festival event is held annually in the world heritage city of Kandy.
Every year almost a million people descend on Kandy to pay homage and to view the hundreds of traditional dancers, drummers and chieftains in elaborate outfits, plus over 100 majestic elephants on parade. Its origins are traced back to 300 BC.
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Every year almost a million people descend on Kandy to pay homage and to view the hundreds of traditional dancers, drummers and chieftains in elaborate outfits, plus over 100 majestic elephants on parade. Its origins are traced back to 300 BC.
July 26, 2023 / Sasana News
Navam Maha Perahera Gangaramaya 23rd and 24th February 2024
The Gangaramaya Temple is located within the city of Colombo, and is one of the most famous temples of Sri Lanka.
It was created over 120 years ago, over the swamps of Beira Lake, as a place learning and worship.
With one of the best collections of Buddhist artefacts and texts around the world, Gangaramaya is now viewed as an institution of international reckoning.
The Navam Full Moon Poya Day in February, holds special special significance to Buddhists. And since 1979, the Gangarama Temple has held colorful and ebullient festivals known as a ‘Pereheras’ to commemorate this day. The festival is used to showcase many talents in traditional Kandyan arts. In addition the perahera induces harmony amongst the communities as people, regardless of race or religion, flock to see the festivities.
The Perehera takes place for two days. The main portion of the festival is the parade of the Sacred Relic Casket on the elaborately adorned main tusker (elephant) of the parade. Mask Dancers, Kandyan Dancers, Drummers, Sword Dancers, Stilt Walkers and many other artisans form the Gangarama Nawam Perahera parades. The events take place at night lit by flaming torches. They are also accompanied by hundreds of monks, Buddhist flag bearers, and traditionally adorned elephants with their mahouts.
The Gangaramaya Nawam Maha Perehera should not be missed as one of the best and most colorful festivals of Sri Lanka.
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