Kandy Perahera Pagent in Sri Lanka

Postcard

The Kandy Esala Perahera is a combination of both Buddhist and Singhalese culture, consisting of a ceremony where the sacred tooth relic of Buddha is paraded through the streets in order to invoke the blessing of rain from the gods. A ritual believed to date back to 3rd century BC; the first Perahera was performed in Anuradhapura. However, due to invasions, the tooth relic was shifted, finally finding a permanent home in Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth). The Temple of the Tooth is Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist shrine, which has housed the Sacred Tooth Relic since the 16th Century.

The distinguishing feature of this fiesta is the colorful processions that includes decorated elephants, traditional dancers and oboe-tooting musicians.

Stamps

(left) 50 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Cuba. The tree was planted by Che Guevara at Horana.