The Navam Perahara - Colombo, Sri Lanka

Every February here in Colombo Sri Lanka the main event would be the Navam Perahara. Navam meaning February and Perahara meaning Parade. Not only it is the Biggest event in Colombo but also it is the only Sri Lankan Cultural Parade seen in Colombo. Like how Kandy has the annual Dalada Perahara , Kataragama has its annual Festival, Sri Pada has the climbing season, Jaffna has the hindu festival season, Anuradhapura has Poson season and so on. But Colombo didn’t have any such cultural event. So in the 1960s with the patronage of the Chief Priest of Gangarama Temple, the Navam Perahara was initiated.

Why February ? it was on a Navam Poya – February full moon day, was the first time Lord Buddha introduced Sariyuth & Mugalan Maha Rahath theros as his chief disciples. As a tribute to the triple gem – Trivida Ratna Upahara, this Navam Perahara was started in February.

At the beginning the Parade didn’t consist of the Elephants, which is a very famous part these days in the parade. So the parade had bullock cart floats of various Buddhist related topics.

After its inception it continued for sometime but was then halted when the chief priest of the temple fell ill. Again in 1979, a minister named R. Premadasa [who became the President of Sri Lanka in the 1980s ] in the lead along with many Buddhist devotees and the temple’s dayaka uapsakas [parish members] insisted that we restart this parade. And so in a very short duration, like a month, everything was organized and arranged to start this tradition once again in Colombo. From that day until today [except for the one time in 1995 when Colombo Central bank was attacked by Terrorists] the Navam Perahara has been the Jewel of all Colombo events. 

This is the biggest parade in Colombo consisting of more than 2000 participants. About 40 elephants take part. The parade consists of various cultural, traditional dances found all over Sri Lanka – Uadarata [Kandyan], Pahatharata [Low country dances], Sabaragamu dances and many more. Various flags including Buddhist flags, flags of different provinces of the country, traditional flags and other different cultural presentations can also be seen. 

Perahara is lead by the Kasa or the striking of whips. Traditionally, it is used to announce the parade is commencing. Then in the old days it is the fire lanterns & fire light dancers. But in this parade the formation is a bit altered as the sole purpose of that dance is to light the way in the old days, but now it is mainly aesthetic and due to certain inconveniences the fire dancers comes late in the parade. The official beginning of the main parade starts with the arrival of the “Peramune Rala”. He is the official in-charge of the parade. He comes wearing traditional clothing riding a tusker. Then comes the “Gajanayaka” or the Official in-charge of the Elephants of the parade. Then various dancers, drums and other cultural performances follow. OH ! not forgetting the young and old elephants in their extravagant outfits and some even dancing to the tune.! 

Of course there are many unique characteristics found in this Perahara which you will not find in any other parade seen in Sri Lanka. Like usually in a traditional Buddhist Perahara the Karanduwa or the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha is being carried in the parade as the last event, but here it is arriving in the middle of the parade. Also what’s special about the Navam Perahara is that it truly displays the real essence of Colombo and also the country as a whole. True it’s a Buddhist , Singhalese country but it is also a multi cultural, multi religious nation where all races, religions and cultures exist in harmony. The Navam Parahara takes that extra step to portray this mixture of differences and how beautiful it can be when they all work together. Hence you will find a Muslim Dance and a Mayura [peacock] dance which is a sacred dance usually presented for the sake of God Kataragama a Hindu God presented by the Tamil community. 

Some of the traditional dancers that taking part in this parade comes from the original families of different dance traditions. And for them dancing at a parade like this is a true honour. They do this with much pride, you will definitely notice it when watching the parade.

Also this parade is used as a showcase of Sri Lankan Culture. It  even includes playing of “Dandubera”. It’s a type of drum, but not even a musical instrument! It is in fact a bamboo drum made by children for play but is an amusing addition to this parade. 

The route of the Perahara is starting from the Ramanayake Mawatha to the Gangarama Temple through James Peris Mawatha, Navam Mawatha, Duplication Road behind Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Perahara Mawatha and back to the Temple.

It starts at 7pm, but usually people gather much sooner to pick a good spot to sit and watch the parade. And most of the time traffic is also present hours closing up to the parade and some roads also blocked to make way to the procession.

Anyone can come and watch this. It’s completely FREE. If you want to reserve seats you can purchase them for a donation of 30USD. This can be done at the Temple Office. Usually this is for foreigners. And for Locals, seats are reserved for main Dayaka Upasakas [parish members] who has made donations for this Parade to happen. But don’t worry there are plenty of places on the streets where the parade will be passing and you can watch without much hassle.

The Navam Perahara will take place as two Peraharas [both same] on the 2^nd & 3^rd of February 2015.

A massive Tourist Attraction to Colombo and honestly I can easily understand why. 


visit the Gangarama Temple Website for more details 

more Pictures of the Navam Perahara 2013 visit Savaary Sri Lanka Facebook Page 

Top Banner courtesy of Gangaramaya Temple Website. All Other Pictures & Videos are property of Savaary Sri Lanka.

The Indian Cultural Centre Colombo – Sri Lanka

 

And so, we were seated at the Bishop’s College auditorium to experience the smooth and vibrant sounds of the Sitar as Maestro Shri Niladri Kumar and his troupe was to Perform in celebration of the 66^th Republic Day of India.  Usually when they say FUSION MUSIC, the expected would be a Tabla playing alongside with an Electric Guitar maybe and playing both modern and traditional music. But here, they didn't play a Sitar with a Guitar, BUT, they played a Guitar on the Sitar !! This is what I LOVE about Indian Musicians! They even gave it a new name the Zitar, as Shri Niladri Kumar played his self made new instrument with such ease, I personally felt quite silly as if he’s teasing us with child play and we found it absolutely amusing, our jaws dropping on the floor!! So as the smooth Indian music night turned into a full on rock concert, after the intro session was over Shri Niladri Kumar welcomed everyone and announced that ‘ it was just their “sound check” & now the show begins’ . That was exactly what happened. For a whole hour the fascinating troupe played their hearts out and blew our minds.!  

The troupe comprised of Aggi Agnelo Fernandes on the keyboard who is well-known in the Bollywood music industry, Gino Rahul Banks, son of Indian Jazz legend Louiz Banks on the drums – gave the best Drum solo I have ever seen, Locally or Internationally. On Tabla was Ramdas Gajanan Palsule who’s Tabla playing was absolutely supernatural. Believe me when I say, that during his solo I was so worried that his fingers would be tangled up any moment now. I have never seen anyone  “handle” a Tabla the way he did. Last not least was Deepak Jagdish Bhatt on the Dhol, a very iconic and 'completely Indian'drum which the mere sound of it anywhere in the world speaks INDIA. When he played the Dhol everyone was transformed to a celebration in India.!

 Although I am supposed to be putting the whole concert into words, I have absolutely NO words to express how fabulous it was and how truly honoured I am for having the opportunity to witness such an amazing performance. So SALUTE to Maestro Shri Niladri Kumar and his Troupe for an absolutely awesome show and Thank you, The Indian Cultural Centre - Colombo, The Indian High Commission of Colombo for organizing such a wonderful event and giving us Sri Lankans that rare opportunity to experience different tastes that ONLY India has to offer.

Actually this is not the only event The Indian Cultural Centre of Colombo organizes nor it is the only activity they do here in Colombo.

The Indian Cultural Centre in Colombo is situated on Greogory’s Road, Colombo 07 right Opposite the Australian Embassy, and host a variety of classes of various Indian Cultural Subjects, such as Hindi Language, Bharatha Natyam Dancing, Kathak Dancing, Yoga Sessions, Carnatic Vocal Music, Hindustani Vocal Music, Sitar Classes, Tabla Classes and Violin Classes.

They do these classes for a very low price and it is actually day time robbery comparing to how much classes of those subjects cost. Many students not only local but also foreign who is residing in Sri Lanka attend these classes.

They also organize various cultural activities like the one I have mentioned above through out the year and most of the time they are FREE of charge and OPEN to all [local & foreign].

You can find all information on their monthly newsletter “Sanskarika” which can be collected at the Cultural Centre itself or you can even log into their Facebook Page and get updates on the latest happenings.

https://www.facebook.com/indianculturalcentre

Photographs taken from the Indian Cultural Centre - Colombo Facebook page. This blog was written with consent of the Indian Cultural Centre - Colombo , Sri Lanka 

Sri Lanka Rollerblading Club

As a kid, each year, I can remember writing in my letter to Santa, asking for a pair of roller skates. That’s what they were called and what they were back then. I was always fascinated by the whole idea of rolling down the streets. And growing up in the generation who watched Sesame Streets, Punky Bruster, Different Strokes etc. It seemed like a cool thing to do. And ofcourse not forgetting the famous Back to the Future where Michael J. Fox  perform this awesome stunt on roller board, that was what we all wanted to be.!

But, I never received them. My Santa never brought me a pair of roller skates and neither did my parents or anyone else for that matter. Ofcourse they were not available in Sri Lanka then, but even those who went abroad didn't bring me a pair. Even if they did bring, there was no place to skate. These new carpeted roads and smooth pavements only came recently my dear friends. When I was a kid, roads and side-walks were these thick tarred structures.

Life went on and I grew up to be an adult who never got her Christmas wish come true.

Until...

Last Tuesday.!  13^th January 2015 to be exact. The day I should mark in my diary and ofcourse write a new letter to Santa saying “in your face!!!”

For those who are completely lost and confused by now, let me ease your minds and get to the actual point. The Sri Lanka Rollerblading Club. That is what they call themselves. A new Facebook club which is not limited to cyber socialising but dedicated into ACTUAL human to human contact.

Here’s how it all began. Uliana, a Russian native coming down to Sri Lanka falls in love with the country and the people and stays here working and living. But face it people, the beautiful nature and hospitality only goes so much. It does get boring when you stay for longer as there’s nothing much to do rather than go clubbing or pubbing. [you have something to say about that? Comments are always welcomed  below]. After all the regular tourist attractions and activities what is really left for people to do? So Uliana was bored. And her friend brought in a pair of Rollerblades and was telling her about how useless her Rollerblades are and then “boink” ! IDEA! Why not we start a roller-blading club?!  And that was what happened. By mid 2014, They started off with just 2 pairs of Rollerblades, skating around only those 2, and now they have bought 7 pairs with a membership of 30 and growing...! 

Uliana says “ this is not a money making project. It is free. To join the club and the Rollerblades to use completely free.” She also says “our dream is to make younger people get together and do sports. It makes you feel better and make life interesting.” Although she says "younger" people,  absolutely anyone can try it. The membership already have those who are young at heart.

Rollerblading although seem like a lazy thing to do or a substitute for walking or running is infact a very good workout. Even though to someone watching at a distance don’t see it, the actual movement to keep the body balancing on the blades and the posture and art of the whole thing takes a lot of effort. It builds up leg muscles, strengthen them and it spreads throughout upto the gluteus [buttocks], and lower abdomen and lower back. Apparently research has shown that rollerblading builds up lower limb muscles more so than running or even cycling! And burns more calories in a single hour than jogging or walking in the same period. Best part is, it is less strenuous and low impact on the joints. So for those who have weight issues or even just wanna loose a few, but worried about joints, this is the work out for you. Those with knee implants and joint pains and yet need to work out for health considerations this would be a much suitable activity. Also the vibrations on the feet help with the blood circulation that could help in coagulation or blood clotting. Also let’s face it, its old school fun! You get to meet people, hangout and workout at the same time. Mind you, having fun and actual human inter-relation is also a part of health & wellbeing. 

These guys meet up every Tuesday at 5pm at Nelum Pokuna – Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre to roller blade. They put on music and just have fun.

Even kids can join. But Uliana says, kids are allowed ONLY if one or both parents are accompanying them.

Dulani is one of those people who has joined the club with her entire family. I got to meet her husband and child mastering the art while Dulani is still learning. She says “ I joined this group a few months ago and have tried my steps about 5 times. And now I can balance myself to standing”.

Bryan a new member who started just that day and was learning the art of falling. But he’s a good sport about that. You can’t learn without falling. And he says “this is my first day. It feels like as if life is on wheels anyway”. See that’s the spirit.! In a world where defeat and loss is taken in such a fowl manner, learning through falling a few times is a humbling experience. Kind of reminds us how we learnt to walk as babies.

I was pleasantly forced by the members to try on too. Yes, I did say that it was a childhood dream. But now I was completely chickening out! But after some persuasion I did try it on and managed to stand balancing. I did feel what they were talking about. It looks like gliding, but there is actual work out going on in the feet and legs. When I was learning to move I didn't feel it but once the blades were off I understood the workout  part. 

There is an art to it. Bending from the knees, bending forward and gliding to sides, if you really follow the guidelines you don’t fall that easily. Besides, there are the senior skaters who teach you and watch you. So it was pretty safe.

You can find out about all their activity by visiting their Facebook page. Like it , share it and just bring your friends and have fun rollerblading!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/260366550832639/

Sri Lanka Rollerblading club

I know I will!

Traditional Puppet Art Museum

One of the interesting places, yet missed out by many when in Colombo, is the Museum of Traditional Puppet Art, situated on Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha,Dehiwala. Maybe its missed because it is not situated at an obvious tourist point. This is actually located just opposite the old Dehiwala - Mt.Lavinia municipal council building. Next to the Pinwatta Buddhist temple. I think most people would know this area as Pinwatta,rather than Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha. If you are coming by bus, can get into a 176 route bus and get down at Pinwatta. Or you could get down at the new Dehiwala - Mt.Lavinia municipal council building on Galle road &walk down the street passing the S.D.S. Jayasinghe hall, and when you reach the junction just by the old municipal council building,this museum is right in front.

The story began when Mr. Sarath Abeygunawardena, founder & chairman of this museum opened this in 2004 at Dewananda road,Piliyandala. He is a big fan of this traditional art that seem to be dying with time & decided to start building awareness and give new life to it by starting this museum. This must be the ONLY museum in Sri Lanka funded by a private donor and definitely is the Only Museum dedicated to Sri Lankan puppet art. As the museum grew, due to spacious reasons, the museum was relocated to its current location in Dehiwala about 08 years ago.

From the moment you enter this place,even the oldest visitor is transported back into their childhood with all the familiar characters seen as puppets on display. Kaalagola & Dikthala, Sirisangabo, Wessanthara & Jujaka Bamuna etc., Jathaka stories and Sri Lankan folk stories told by our parents and grandparents come alive in the small theater hall.

There are no specific details found as the beginning of Sri Lankan traditional puppet art. Some say its from India, brought down along with other forms of arts.Some say,it was introduced to us by the Portuguese. However it may have begun, there are indeed facts to provide that this art form has been in Sri Lanka entertaining the Sri Lankan population for more than 04 centuries. Ambalangoda being the most famous for this art in Sri Lanka,there are over 25 gurukula traditional artists all over the country practicing & teaching this puppet art.

For a single puppet show, about 10 artists take part and some of them are from the original traditional families of the Sri Lankan puppet art. They handle the puppets maneuvering them, voicing & singing. Most of the time, traditional Sri Lankan folk music & musical instruments are used for performances, but that is changing. A single puppet is usually about 140cm tall and weighs around 5kg.

Here at the puppet museum children can try their hands on puppeteering. Also in this museum you get to see traditional Sri Lankan masks used in Kolam dances, Thovil rituals etc. For the first time I got to see the complete 18 masks of the Daha ata Sanniya (dance of 18 deadly diseases). This was a very popular thovil ritual which was performed in villages to chase away evil that may come as 18 deadly diseases. When I was studying I got to learn the actual scientific basis of this ritual which on the surface level seemed very lame and primitive. But I was impressed & excited to see the 18 masks & how detailed they were in representing the diseases.

As they started the show for us at the Puppet Museum, when the Jester appeared on stage I couldn't help laughing. As if I was a kid again.

This Museum is definitely a must when in Colombo. Not only to foreigners, but also to fellow Sri Lankans, a place to go back to your roots. A part of Sri Lankan culture that is hidden and should not be let to die.

The traditional puppet art museum is open everyday except for Mondays & Poya days from 9am to 5pm. Entrance in LKR50/= for Locals, LKR500 for Foreigners for both adults & children. For the show tickets are LKR150 for Locals and LKR500 for Foreigners both adults & children.

Better yet, you can even buy puppets,masks and traditional wooden sculptures for prices starting at LKR750 upwards. Also you can book group shows for special occasions.

For more details contact;

The Traditional Puppet Art Museum

33/1, Pinwatta,Dehiwala,Sri Lanka

Tel:0723232519 (Sujanthi)

Visit our Facebook Page - Savaary Sri Lanka for more pictures of this Traditional Puppet Art Museum.