APROCESSIONOFLIVINGHERITAGE:
LANKATHILAKAVIHARAYAPERAHERAKANDY
ASCARED OFFERINGOFTHE COMMUNITY
For centuries, the Lankathilake Peraherahasbeencelebratedin the street leading to the 14th century temple as a sacred ritual enacted to bring fertility and prosperity for the next maha rains. It is a sacred offering made by a community inthanksandanticipation.
AHERITAGEOF RITUALAND TRADITION
its inception during the of the Gampola kingdom its construction under the patronage of Bhuvenekabahu IV his Chief Minister Senalankadhikara in 1344, the Lankathilake Rajamaha Viharaya has been the center of indelible relationship between the village and the deities that protect it. Rituals long been maintained and conducted using objects produced by local craft practices as well as music and dancing.
THECONTINUITY OFTRADITIONAL
PERFORMINGARTS
The Lankathilake Perahera patronizes the performing arts by inducting younger practitioners from the surrounding villages into these ritual traditions. Amongst the many dance forms are the naiyandi natuma, the le keli netuma and the grandest of them all, the ves natuma. Drumming includes the Daul, getabera and thammatama traditions. At this Perahera, many of the participants are from a younger generation making their first steps towards lifelong practices that will eventually see them dance and perform at the grand Esala Perahera in Kandy. We seek to continue nurturing generations of emerging practitioners of these sacredarts.
COMMUNITY GATHERING
perahera season is a -anticipated time for the community in which relatives friends return from far wide to participate in and admire the festivities. 10 days events at Lankathilake are attended by many from across Sri Lanka. The Lankathilake Perahera is only second in scale and participation to the Esala perahera in Kandy held annually a month before this
YOURSUPPORTFOR COMMUNITY TRADITIONSAND THEIRCONTINUITY
The perpetuation of these community traditions today requires alternative sources of patronage. In ancient times, support came from a feudal hierarchy headed by the king. In our ever-connected worlds, we are seeking ways to fulfil the promise of the Perahera for future generations of practitioners and community members to continue sharing their specialized knowledge and skills.
This is a unique opportunity for yourcompany or organization to promote the survival of these significant artforms and the people that produce them. By offering your sponsorship, such community traditions and practiceswillcontinuetothrive.
PARTNERWITH LIVINGHERITAGE.