The month of Esala is a month I will never forget because I went to see a perahera for the first time during the month of Esala.
The roads were crowded with people as the final Randoli Perahera was scheduled to take place at the Sri Dalada Maligawa. A large number of foreigners were also present to witness this wonderful cultural festival which attracted not only Sri Lankans but also many people from all over the world.
I was waiting for this beautiful perahera which I saw for the first time in my life.
Right on time, the sound of whips echoed in my ears as if the whole area was thundering.
After that, the fireball dancers light the way and announce that the Perahera is near. Next, I saw people dressed in white and carrying flags. When I saw the group of flags including the national flag, Buddhist flags and district flags, I felt a great pride in our country, race and religion.
After that, when I saw people carrying pearl umbrellas, sesathas and flags in the perahera, I remembered the proud history of Sri Lanka.
I felt very proud when I saw the Gajanayake Nilame, Kaviyakaravana Korala and the Diyawadana Nilame, dressed in the most beautiful costumes.
As I watched the Dalada Perahera full of colourful dances, I thought that I could have danced like that too.
Next came the moment, I was looking forward to the elephants dressed in beautiful lit up costumes.
Suddenly, I heard a cry of sadhu and looked up. I saw the Mangala Hasth Rajaya carrying the casket with two elephants on either side.
I thought this elephant was really lucky because it was walking under a canopy and on a white cloth.
Although they performed dances according to different traditions of Udarata, Pahatharata, Sabaragamuwa, my heart was drawn to the kandyan dancers.
After all this, the great Dewala Perehera was seen. Four elephants carried caskets with ornaments connected to each deity.
The first perahera I saw, which consisted of many wonderful features, was a beautiful sight that I will never forget in my life.
Nelinsa Sanumi Jayalath
Grade 8
Devi Balika Vidyalaya
Colombo