Anuradhapura historic Dalada Perahera will be held today (1) for the 27th occasion. It was decided to limit the procession for one day instead of two traditional days’ duration in view of the economic situation of the country. This was decided by the Dalada Perahara Steering Committee meeting chaired by Atamasthanadhipathi Ven. Pallegama Hemaratana Nayaka Thera, the Late North Central Chief Minister Berty Premalal Disanayake revived the then dysfunctional Anuradhapura historic Dalada Perahera in 1996 which has been continuing as a splendid religious and cultural pageant in Rajarata. On the instructions of North Central Governor Maheepala Herath and Anusasana of Maha Sangha headed by Atamasthanadhipathi Nayaka Thera, the North Central Chief Secretary Chandrasiri Bandara Organises the Dalada Perahera.
After the North Central Provincial Governor has placed the casket of Relics on the caparisoned tusker, the Dalada Perahera will proceed from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises up to the Anuradhapura ancient Dalada Medura en route to Abayagiriya temple where the traditional ritual and religious observances will be conducted by Maha Sangha. The Perahera consisting of ten elephants, ten groups of dancers, musicians etc. will proceed up to Abayagiri temple.
According to chronicles such as Mahawamsa the Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha brought the left canine Tooth Relic of the Buddha to Sri Lanka from India during the reign of King Kithsirimewan in 310 AD.
During the kingdoms of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Gampola, Kotte, Seethawakapura and Kandy annual Dalada Perahera was performed as a showcase of the guardianship of the Sacred Tooth Relic along with all rituals and poojas. The Dalada Perahara according to chronicles was held wherever the kingdom was taken. In Kandy, the last designation of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Dalada Perahera Originated in 1754 AD.
Nimal Wijesinghe