A new edition of Professor Anuradha Seneviratna’s “Kandy Esala Perahera” has been issued to coincide with the popular perahera season, now drawing to a close in the hill capital, Kandy.
The lavishly illustrated book, issued by Vijitha Yapa Publications, covers the rich history of the perahera and describes in detail perahera traditions and practices.
The book is enriched with rare photographs and illustrations. The centre spread is a view of the Dalada Maligawa complex as seen by a British artist in 1819. It is interesting to compare the painting side by side with a recent photograph of the Dalada Maligawa. The author, who has close links with the Sacred Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa), traces the evolution of the Kandy Esala Perahera since its inception more than 1,600 years ago, during the reign of King Kirti Sri Meghavarna (Kitsiri Mevan). He refers to ancient texts, including the Dalada Sirita and the Culavamsa, and quotes from writers such as Robert Knox, Davy, Millawa Disava and C. E. Godakumbura. The text is supported by rare photographs that give an insight into the rituals within the Dalada Maligawa.
The outstanding photographs are provided by the Diyawadana Nilame, the author, and Vijitha and Lalana Yapa. The book is priced at a very reasonable Rs. 400.
Dr. Seneviratna is a Senior Professor with the Sinhala Faculty of Peradeniya University, and has been honoured by the Sri Lanka government with the title “Kalakirti”. He has written close to 70 books in Sinhala and English, and has won the State Literary Award on three occasions He has also served as president of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.
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