Navam Perahera: Gangaramaya ...
The Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Raja Maha Viharaya is of special significance both as a sacred place of worship in the heart of the capital city of the country and also as an institution providing facilities for youngsters to become useful citizens of the country.
Due to the religious, social, cultural and educational activities undertaken and performed by this temple under the exemplary guidance and direction of the present incumbent of the temple, Ven. Galaboda Gnaneswara Thera – the popular Podi Hammuduruwo, this temple has gained local and international reputation.
It was during the time of Ven. Devinuwara Sri Jinaratana Nayake Thera that this temple was transformed into a nationally and internationally famous viharaya. This Nayake Thera, a pupil of Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayake Thera was liked by the people who enabled him to transform an Avasaya or a hermitage on a marshy land to a popular place of Buddhist worship with an international reputation. The transformation had taken place within a very short period of time. Today Gangaramaya is the most popular place of Buddhist worship within the municipal limits of Colombo. This temple carries the three main features, Sharirika Dhathu (the physical remains of the Enlightened One), Maha Bodhi (the Sacred Bo tree) and the Buddha Rupa (images of the Buddha). The main features of the temple include the Viharaya (main temple), the Chethiya (Pagoda), the Bo tree, the Vihara Mandiraya, Sima Malakaya and the relic chamber. Gangaramaya Sima Malakaya is unique in its structure and the location in the middle of the Beira Lake. This structure is so famous today that the whole temple premises are known as Sima Malakaya.
In addition a museum, a library, and a residential hall, a three storied Pirivena, an educational hall and an alms hall are also in the premises.
Kolambaperahera–pageantofgangaramaya Rajamahaviharaya
The Navam Perahera is conducted annually during the month of Navam by the Gangaramaya Raja Maha Viharaya in Colombo to illustrate one of the prestigious Buddhist historical events. Originally this procession conducted by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya was known as the “Kolamba Perahera”. It is the only Buddhist pageant parading the streets of Colombo. It was because of this reason that the Perahera was called Kolamba Perahera – the pageant of Colombo. Since it is conducted within the limits of Colombo tens of thousands of spectators including a large number of foreign tourists watch this colourful perahera festival on both days on which it is conducted.
Dharmacaccapavattanasutta-thefirstsermonofthebuddha–theoccasionforconductingkolambaperahera
Originally Kolamba Perahera was conducted in August immediately after the Sri Dalada Maligawa Esala Perahera in Kandy - the hill capital. The occasion for conducting this Perahera was to commemorate the first sermonof Gautamabuddha-“dharmacacca Pavattana Sutta” at the Isipatanaramaya. However, due to the ill health of the incumbent Thera and a number of other reasons the perahera could not be conducted annually.
Originofthenavamperahera
In place of the former Kolamba Esala Perahera an annual pageant is conducted during the month of Navam (February) beginning from 1979 with state patronage provided by the then Prime Minister, R. Premadasa. The objectives of this Perahera are varied. Primarily it is to venerate The Triple Gem, the Buddha, His doctrine (Dharma) and His disciples, (Sangha). Another objective is to commemorate the appointment of Arahants Sariputra and Moggalyana by the Enlightened One as His chief disciples (Agra Srawaka). The top most positions in the Order of the Maha Sangha were conferred on Arahants Sariputra (Dakunath Sau) and Arahant Moggalyana (Wamath Sau) by the Buddha at the first congregation on Navam Full Moon Poya Day after the Enlightenment.
Thegangaramayanavamperaheracomprises amultitudeofparticipantswhoinunison makethepageantmagnificent. Whipcrackerssignalingthemainperaherato follow
Whip crackers serve a number of purposes. Firstly it is a means of clearing the way for the main perahera. Spectators confine themselves to the pavement and leave the road entirely for the procession to pass without any disruption. Secondly it is a signal that the main procession is approaching. It is also an offering made by sound indicating the majesty of the procession. It is said that even celestial beings hear this sound which is an invitation for them to watch the procession. Devotees - young and old including school children walk behind them, some carrying flags and banners with others carrying trays of flowers.
Theelephantsprovideamajesticlookforthe procession
Beautifully adorned elephants including tuskers provide majesty and elegance to the procession. The tusker of the temple carries the relic casket on its back. As in the case of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Esala Perahera in the hill capital, Kandy, the Kelaniya Raja Ma- ha Viharaya Duruthu Perahera and Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya Perahera elephants walk elegantly in the Gangaramaya Navam perahera too. They are adorned in costumes consisting of three parts: the body part, the fore head garland called “Netti Malaya” and the ear ornament called “Kanjoduwa”. Large quantities of padding, rich cloth, velvet, coral etc. are required to make these costumes. The ornaments add to the elegance of the elephants that provide majesty to the perahera.
Dramaperformers
Drama performers in the Gangaramaya Navam Perahera can be categorised into four groups. There are ordinary dancing teams representing Kandyan dancers, low country dancers and Sabaragamuwa dancers. The world’s oldest and most ubiquitous musical instrument – the drum - is used in all these dancing performances. Various kinds of drums such as “geta beraya” (drum used in Kandyan dancing) “mangul beraya” (drum used by the royalty), “Yak beraya” (drum used by devil priests) “Udakkiya” ( drum which is small in the middle) and “Raban” (Tambourines) are beaten to produce rich and melodious sounds in harmony with the dancers and “Vannam” or songs of the performers. In addition, a pair of cymbals or “talampota” also known as ”thaithalama” are used in all these dancing performances to keep it in rhythm through the loud ringing sound made when the two cymbals are hit together.
Hewisidrummerswhoproducethedrumroar
The most important group is the group of “Hevisi” drum players. They produce a drum roar with the large drum, “Daula,” the double drum “Thammattama” and the trumpet “Horanewa”. Meanwhile conch shell blowers produce gentle and prolonged sounds increasing the serenity of the atmosphere. The rhythm of the drum roar suits rhythm of any other performer in the procession.
Vannamormetricalverses
Dancers in their costumes look elegant when they move in the procession. They sing “Vannams” while dancing. Vannams are metrical verses sung by dancers to provide lyrical music in their performances. There are eighteen vannams such as “thuranga” (horse) vannama,”virodi” (Cat’s eye gem) vannama,” Savula” (cock) vannama, and the most important “Gajaga” (elephant) vannama. When the performers dance to the tune of the Gajaga Vannama they move just like
elephants.
Vesnatuma–themostimportantdancing performanceofkandyandancers
A special kind of Kandyan dancing is known as the “Ves Netuma”. These dancers have to undergo training for a long period of time before they are considered qualified to perform this kind of dance. The performer will be entitled to the “Ves” or the special costume with a beautiful head dress only after being trained well which takes a long time.
Pantherudancerswhoproduceaclinging sound
Pantheru dancers form another group of dancers. Each performer has a circular instrument called “pantheru” which produces a clinging sound. This makes the performances melodious.
Borukakulkarayo-stiltwalkers
“Boru kakul Karayas “or stilt walkers produce special colour to the Gangaramaya Navam Perahera. The performers walk high above the ground on two long pieces of wood or walking sticks with places to rest their feet on. They sneer at the spectators from above and provide them entertainment.
Theorganisationoftheprocession
A significant feature about this pageant is that it is planned and organised in an excellent manner. The perahera parades a number of streets and the main road in front of the Gangaramaya Viharaya and along the Beira Lake – Navam Mawatha. Seating accommodation is provided for the spectators. The perahera route is determined and the places where the Maha Sangha, elephants, dancers, drummers and torch bearers, office bearers and others who partake in the pageant are well directed. Nothing is left for the pageant to get disorganised.
The perahera arrangements are made by the Gangaramaya temple and the entire organisation is handled by the young people associated with the temple under the able direction of the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Ven. Galaboda Gnaneswara Thera - the popular Podi Hamuduruwo.