73rd Bellanvila Esala Perahera: Enhancing harmony among people

Not only Buddhists, but Hindus, Christians and those of the Islamic faith support us in this event without expecting anything in return. It is also an opportunity for vendors to make significant profits during the Perahera time

This year the annual historic Bellanvila Esala Perahera will take to the street for the 73rd year - this majestic cultural and religious event started in 1950 as a ceremony to invoke blessings on the people and their cattle in times of famine and epidemics in the Bellanvila area. 
A concept introduced by the Late Ven. Bellanvila Shri Somarathana Thera, this remarkable street pageant has come a long way and today under the guidance of Ven. Dr Bellanvila Dhammaratana Thera, Viharadhipathi of the Bellanvila Temple, it has become a month of religious activities. 
I myself have been involved with the Temple for over four decades and am pleased to announce that the funds collected from the temple are utilized mainly for the benefit of the people. Some of its manifold activities are :

Technical and Vocational Training

The Vocational Training Center has been in existence for over 30 years and at present it is registered under the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka and can offer NVQ certification for the students, who complete their courses successfully, 

Education

There are two Dhamma schools which function in English and Sinhala media. In addition to giving support to school children who study Buddhism in both languages, it also enhances their knowledge of English. 

Health

The entire income from the car park goes into the health programme, especially to provide financial assistance to patients who undergo surgery. Approximately 50,000 rupees is provided every month to many people. 
The Temple also conducts health clinics every quarter where doctors from Kalubowila Teaching Hospital voluntarily come to serve. Lab tests are also done as the cost of diagnostic tests is expensive and this clinic eases that burden. In addition to this, vision tests are also done and spectacles are donated during the eye clinic.
Considering today’s economic downturn the Temple provides medicaments for the needy as many come to the clinics with no financial means whatsoever.

Perahera 

The Perahera is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and colourful pageants in the country. With the sheer willpower of the Chief Priests, past and present, and the support of the Dayaka Sabhava and the Perahera Komitiya ensures that a grand show IS placed before the public each year. 
The Perahera Committee offers opportunities to students of traditional dance to display their talents and most importantly includes dance forms from various parts of the country without any discrimination. Upcountry, as well as low country and Sabaragamu dance styles, are included. 
The Perahera in Bellanwila is very unique in providing opportunities for men, women and children to take part. 
This is one event which goes beyond commercial norms of having exclusive sponsorships. Even traditional business rivals come together to sponsor the Bellanvila Perahera. Both Private and Public enterprises support this event on an annual basis. 
Although there have been many changes in our society, the event as a whole has protected religious and cultural traditions and passed them on from generation to generation. 
Also, not only Buddhists, but Hindus, Christians and those of the Islamic faith support us in this event without expecting anything in return. It is also an opportunity for vendors to make significant profits during the Perahera time. 
Pineapple, achchaaru and gram sellers can recover their monthly income during this period as large crowds gather to watch the Perahera.
In addition, during this time the entire temple gets a facelift and we have a special ceremony to appreciate and honour those who serve the temple.

Bodhi Restoration

The temple embarked on a Bodhi restoration programme on the advice of experts and specialists to ensure that the roots of the Bodhi tree have sufficient breathing space. 
The public can also witness the restored Bodhi as they come to the temple.
The Perahera will start on the 14th of August with Mal Perahera which will go on till the 16th, followed by the Pawada Perahera on the 17th and Ran Sivili perahera on the 18th. The final Randoli Perahera will take to the streets on the 19th of August and will culminate on the 20th with the final Diyakapana Perahera , deva dana and the Shanthikarma. 
While thanking the State sector for its patronage and the many individuals, banks, companies from both the public and private sector, tri forces and the Police without whose contributions and participation we will not be able to bring this Perahera to life, the Organizing Committee would like to invite the public especially the youth to participate in this grand meritorious event. 

S. V. D. Kesarralal Gunasekera 
Secretary, Bellanwila Esala Perahera Committee 

The Perahera started on 14th of August with Mal Perahera which will go on till 16, followed by the Pawada Perahera on 17 and Ran Sivili perahera on 18. The final Randoli Perahera will take to the streets on the 19 of August and will culminate on August 20 with the final Diyakapana Perahera , deva dana and the Shanthikarma