The Esala Perahera Festival of the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya

 The Pride of Sabaragamuwa, The Esala Perahera Festival of the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya
  
                  The most magnificent cultural event held every year in the sacred land of Sabaragamuwa is the "Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya Esala Perahera" in Ratnapura. This is not just a perahera, but a grand art festival that shows the faith, belief, and pride of the Sabaragamuwa people to the world.

Historical Background
This worship of the Lord Sumana Saman, the presiding deity of the Samanala site, dates back to ancient times. It is said in history that this temple was built by the minister Aryakamadeva during the reign of King Parakramabahu II of the Dambadeniya era. Since then, this procession has been continuously performed with rituals.


Special Features of the Perahera

Second only to the Kandy Dalada Perahera, this Saman Devalaya Perahera has several unique features that are unique to us:

• Sabaragamuwa Dance Tradition:
 Rhythmic dance elements unique to Sabaragamuwa, which are different from low-country or upcountry dances, take center stage here.

• Mahabamba Kolam: 
The "Mahabamba" statue that marches at the forefront of the procession is a feature unique to the Sabaragamuwa Perahera. It is a wonderful experience to watch this statue, which looks gentle on one side and fierce on the other.

• Ancient Rituals:
 Every aspect of the ceremony, from the planting of the kapa to the water-cutting ceremony, is carried out with great order and respect.

Devotees' Beliefs

For the people of Manipur, Lord Saman is a powerful and protective deity. These people seek the blessings of the deity in farming, gem mining, and in their daily lives. During the procession, the entire city of Ratnapura is filled with lights and the sound of drums, showing great devotion.

It is our responsibility to preserve such noble cultural heritages of our country for future generations. If you have never witnessed the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya Perahera, I invite you to come to Ratnapura next Esala month and experience this magnificent event.

If you have also watched the Sabaragamuwa Saman Devalaya procession, please leave a comment.

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