Dawal Perahera of Veediyagoda Raja Maha Viharaya – The Pride of Raigam Purawara

Veediyagoda Raja Maha Viharaya very famous in Bandaragama area. Every year they have very proud & colorful “Esela Perahera”. It was one of the most important & large “Perahera” in the area of Raigam. First couple of days ‘Perahera” travel in the night. Final day of the “Perahera” travel in the day time. This called “Dawal Perahera” or “Diya Kapana Perhera”. From this “Perahera” “Esala Perahera Mangallya”finished.

From many years of time this “Dawal Perahera” starts from our relative’s house. It was Traditional big & beautiful house situated in very large coconut land. My uncle & his family living in there. From his father’s time this tradition starts. Those days this

“Perahera” done in very simple way.  Early days his father owned  5-7 elephants.Now all the elephants died. But  from those days our uncle had very good connection with elephant owners. He used those connections & he able to increase the number of elephants join to the “Perahera” in year by year. This time 21 elephants planned to join  this perahera. But finally 20 elephants participate to this “Perahera”.

This time “Nedungamuwa Raja” scheduled to carry “Dhatu Karanduwa”. He came up to Peliyandala & they noticed that he was under “Mada Kipila” situation. Soon they carry “Nedungamuwa Raja” to near by temple & tied there. Therefore “Migara” carried the Dhatu Karanduwa”

From early morning elephants transported by Lorries from various parts of the island to this house. Enough space for elephants there. They tied in the coconut land. From there onwards house owner have to provide food / all facilities to all elephants, ethgowwa’s & perahera crew. For this occasion our uncle invites all his relations to participate this event.

From morning elephants taking rest & around 12.30 p.m they started to dressing cloths. After that they lined up in the garden till “perahera” start. First two elephants travel to “Diya Kapana Thotupala”. After complete tradional ceremony there, they came back & waiting near the house.Same time main tuskers brought to the pavilion where “Dhatu Karanduwa” placing. After that “Karanduwa” placing in the “Ransivi Geya”. At that time dancing troops lined up in the road. After that perahera start. The organizing members arranging the “Perahera” & send each elephant from garden after every 2-3 dancing groups. From this home to temple there was nearly 3 km’s distance. Large number of crowd gather to see this colorful “perahera”. You can get some idea when you go through photos. It was very nice & educational experience for little ones.

Around 4.30 p.m “Perahera” completed & we came back from there with lots of happy memories. Also we like to invite to you to see this tradional & colorful event in next year.

Thanks for reading

Sanjeewa

Veediyagoda Raja Maha Viharaya

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.	Natha Dewalaya

Inside the Dewalaya

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.	Pooja ceremony had before “perahera” start

Perahera Starts from here

“Migara” – The Main Tusker

“Miyan Raja”

When arriving first having quick wash

Taking their meal portion

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.	Tusker of Bellanwila Temple

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Trying to take fresh one

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Removing chains

Trying for more

Perahera Costumes for Jumbos

Starting wear cloths

.	“Migara” completed his Dressing

“Miyan Raja” Start his dressing

Brought his cloths

He also arriving to main gate

Another one cleaning

Still dressing

Lot more to cover

Line up after dressing

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Drinking water from tap

“Dhathu Karanduwa” at house

“Dhathu Karanduwa” taking with Our relative carrying the “Dhathu Karanduwa” “Perahera”

Taking “Dhathu Karanduwa” to place in “Ransivi Geya”

Waiting till “Perahera” starts

Taking second “Karanduwa”

“Migara” is watching

“Kasa Karuwan” the sign of “Perahera” Starts

.	“Pahatha Rata Bera Karuwan”

“Maha Baba”

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The 1st elephant in the perahera – But 2 little boys inside the elephant

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“Hansa Netuma”

Here comes “Migara” carrying “Dhathu Karanduwa”

.	“Pathuru Netuma”

“Meyan Raja” carrying 2nd “Karanduwa”

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.	“Wewel Netuma”

.	Another one joins to perahera

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.	“Monara Netuma”

.	“Kawadi Dance”

.	These two elephants came from “Diya Kapana Thotupala”

.	Carrying “Dewabarana”

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.	“Boru Kakul Karuwan”

“Ashwa Netuma”

“Gara Yak Netuma”

Natha devi statue

“Wadiga Patuna Dance”

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“Raban Netuma”

Final part of the “Perahera”