SEC-S16-W1 | Cultural traditions

Hey Steemian friends!

Though we live in this teeny tiny island we have a written history that spans over 2500 years! This nation is once a great civilization in the history and hence we have deeply rooted cultural traditions. Today in this contest I will share one of such events that I was fortunate to experience.

^{The 'parade' or 'procession' is a celebrated cultural tradition in Sri Lanka.}

Sri Lanka is known for its grandest pageant the Kandy Esala Perahera. However, before this pageant starts every village across the island hosts its own version organized by the local temple. This vibrant celebration usually unfolds between July and August, and while Buddhism is at the core of these events, it also unites all the communities together as a celebration.

Last year I was fortunate to experience such event when I visited my wife’s village and that was just fantastic! My previous attempt at witnessing the Kandy Esala Perahera went horribly wrong with the overwhelming crowd. While the majority target the big extravagant pageant with Elephants adorned in elaborate costumes, I enjoyed this personal encounter in the village to the fullest.

^{peacock dancer}

^{Dancing while balancing a pot on the head}

^{Dance representing gem miners}

^{Stick Dancers}

^{Traditional Dance}

^{Hanuma Dancers}

^{Drummers providing with vibrant beat}

The greenish quiet streets of the village transform into a spectacle of lights, music, and dance. Various traditional dancers accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums weave through the village road, carrying the sacred relic of Lord Buddha in a mini lorry. Latter in the evening papare bands overtook all the traditional event to their sub culture and dance through the city with fire jugglers.

^{The dancer showcasing some impressive flips}

^{Papare bands in the end}

This type of events has been organized for hundred of years now and I think this should be carried out to preserve our heritage and passed on to future generations. Failure to appreciate and preserve these cultural marvels could lead to their disappearance from our society, fading away like forgotten tales.

^{Me enjoying it all in from the corner of the road}

The communal participation in these events creates values and bonds that strengthen the society. It remind us and tells the story of who we are fostering a sense of identity and unity.

From a tourism perspective, Kandy Esala Perahera is recognized as one of the grandest pageant in Asia. Many Europeans in particular, visit to witness this pageant and they pay premium price for the front seats. So it is evident that people love such events and those even can help to boost the economy by attracting tourists to these celebrations.

In essence, I can't help but feel grateful for being part of a culture that values its traditions. We have a huge opportunity to shares them with the world. So, here's to preserving, celebrating, and passing on the magic of our cultural heritage!

Thank you for this interesting contest @venezolanos. Looking forward to taking on the next week’s challenge. I would like to invite @shanza1, @crisvera & @hamzayousafzai to participate in this contest.

Thank you.

Peace to all 🙏

^{All the images are from my gallery.}