Minting money during the Kandy Esela Pageant!

Also,  the Esela Pageant attracts the wrath of environmentalists. This is because very sensitive wildlife enthusiasts are irked when they see chained elephants participating in the pageant

The Kandy Esela Pageant started with all its glory on the 30th of July  with the Kumbal Perahera. There is much to learn about this historic pageant which began during the time of King Kithsiri Mevan (301-328 BC). This event could easily be named the most prominent pageant that takes place in this Buddhist majority country. 

The dates for the pageant have been fixed from July 30th to August 9th. The event is known to receive state patronage. But records indicate that when the British governed this country, one of the governors had banned this pageant. However, despite much challenges, this event has been held continuously to meet the expectations of not only Buddhist devotees, but also people of other faiths. 

There are other significant facts associated with this pageant. It is considered as one of the oldest and most vibrant Buddhist festivals in the world. Expatriates and foreign tourists present here at this time of the year are sure to cherish the many dance items and the music that is produced by several troupes of musicians in attendance. This pageant also serves as an occasion to showcase to the world Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture. Just imagine a foreigner at this pageant seeing an elephant, which usually roams in the jungle, dressed up and walking majestically to the beat of drums alongside its mahout. Such a sight would definitely make foreign tourists present here understand that this is a country which boasts of having extraordinary citizens. 

Go a little more in-depth into the traditions of this pageant and you’ll come to know that several generations of dancers and other artistes have continued in the profession and can relate stories which are over 100 years old. All this has been possible in this entertainment business because the lessons that keep the profession alive have been passed on from generation to generation by committed teachers. 

Though  Sri Lankans spent 133 years under the British, the former didn’t have to learn about the importance of tradition from their Colonial masters. Outsiders in Sri Lanka might be a bit surprised to find out that rituals in pageants have been maintained for a long time. It would sound silly if a person who’s naïve asks a pageant official: ‘What’s new at the pageant this year’. When it comes to the Kandy Esela Pageant, temple officials are hell-bent on maintaining rich traditions. 

As much as there are loads of positives associated with the pageant, there are few issues of concern as well. The price of tickets for the pageant is exorbitant. A ticket that enables one to watch the pageant can reach prices beyond 50,000 rupees. These tickets are priced so high and made available to the public with the blessings of the Kandy Municipality. For the record, this area, which is used to put chairs for guests at the pageant, was won over after a legal battle some time ago. Hence it is now public property. There was a plaque put up there in the past to proclaim that it belonged to the public. It baffles us how the true owner of this space has ‘sold’ it to a tenderer to do business during the pageant period. 

Also,  the Esela Pageant attracts the wrath of environmentalists. This is because very sensitive wildlife enthusiasts are irked when they see chained elephants participating in the pageant. There has been at least one occasion when elephants ran amok at the pageant. Guests at the pageant are warned not to use flashlights and blow whistles during the pageant.  Some guests have to be told this to maintain discipline!

Let’s hope that the pageant continues smoothly as scheduled and leaves fond memories in the minds of those who were fortunate to be there.