Annual Nawam Perahera cultural pageant in Colombo February 27, 2010. Some 50 elephants, most of them coming from the central area of Kandy, together with thousands of traditional drummers, dancers, and monks gather to participate in the two-day annual event which was first held in 1979.
Most Colorful and Prestigious Buddhist Cultural Pageant held in Sri Lanka Annually the Colombo Nawam Maha Perahera,held in February
The Colombo Nawam Maha Perahera a Grand Pageant of Elephants, Dancers and Entertainment held to celebrate a Religious Event takes place on the Full Moon Day of February, every year.
The Colombo Nawam Maha Perahera is one of the most important religious and cultural events in Shri Lanka. Mi1lions of people view this spectacle every year including an estimated 10,000 Tourists. Seating accommodation for 1,000,000 persons is provided without charge on both days. The Perehara revives the ancient forms drawing dancing troupes from all parts of the country and providing an occasion to display their prowess.
The beneficiaries of events such as these are the traditional Dance Troupes, who now enjoy a revival of interest in their dance and forms of entertainment. The Perehera thus has a direct relevance to the preservation of our ancient Cultural Heritage. The entire organization of the Perahera is handled by the young people associated with the "Gangaramaya' Temple. The Perahera was first started in the year 1979
In Sri Lanka the Colombo Nawam Maha Perahera takes pride of place. In the Buddhist World no country can claim to have held such a Colorful, Cultural Pageant. Gangaramaya of Colombo.2, attends to the organizing work. The Flags, Banners and Decorations used for this Event are available for use for similar events in other parts of the island.
Sri Lankan traditional dancers perform during the annual Nawam Perahera cultural pageant in Colombo February 27, 2010.
An elephant carries a casket containing relics at the annual Nawam Perahera cultural pageant in Colombo February 27, 2010.
The main elephant carrying a casket containing relics is flanked by two junior elephants at the annual Nawam Perahera cultural pageant in Colombo February 27, 2010.
Sri Lankan traditional drummers perform during an annual Buddhist procession at a temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010.
A traditional Sri Lankan musician performs during an annual Buddhist procession at a temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010.
