The Conclusion of the Kandy Esala Perahera -Waliyak Natuma The Seven-Day Ritual Dance
Waliyak Natuma – The Sacred Seven-Day Ritual of the Kandy Esala Perahera
The Kandy Esala Perahera is celebrated as one of Asia’s most magnificent cultural festivals, drawing thousands of pilgrims and visitors each year. While many believe the pageant ends with the grandeur of the Randoli Perahera, its true conclusion comes with a lesser-known, but deeply sacred ceremony — the Waliyak Natuma, also called Waliyak Shanthikarma.
The Kandy Esala Perahera is celebrated as one of Asia’s most magnificent cultural festivals, drawing thousands of pilgrims and visitors each year. While many believe the pageant ends with the grandeur of the Randoli Perahera, its true conclusion comes with a lesser-known, but deeply sacred ceremony — the Waliyak Natuma, also called Waliyak Shanthikarma.
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| Nissanka Dewanagala, the Dancing Gurunnanse (master of dance) |
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| Sri Vishnu Devalaya, Kandy |
A Ritual Beyond the Parade
The Waliyak Natuma is a seven-day exorcist and blessing ritual, performed within the hallowed grounds of the Sri Vishnu Devalaya in Kandy, located beside the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic). This ritual is not a public spectacle but an intimate, spiritual ceremony, designed to purify and protect everyone who took part in the Perahera.
From Nilames and drummers to dancers, elephants, and the thousands of devotees, the ritual ensures that all participants are blessed, and any unseen disturbances are driven away. It reflects the deep-rooted belief that protection, peace, and balance must follow the celebration of devotion.
The Waliyak Natuma is a seven-day exorcist and blessing ritual, performed within the hallowed grounds of the Sri Vishnu Devalaya in Kandy, located beside the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic). This ritual is not a public spectacle but an intimate, spiritual ceremony, designed to purify and protect everyone who took part in the Perahera.
From Nilames and drummers to dancers, elephants, and the thousands of devotees, the ritual ensures that all participants are blessed, and any unseen disturbances are driven away. It reflects the deep-rooted belief that protection, peace, and balance must follow the celebration of devotion.
A Lineage of Duty
The ritual is more than performance—it is a sacred duty. For over a century, the Dewanagala lineage has been entrusted with carrying out this responsibility. Passed down from generation to generation, this family tradition links the modern-day Perahera with the rituals of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms.
The ritual is more than performance—it is a sacred duty. For over a century, the Dewanagala lineage has been entrusted with carrying out this responsibility. Passed down from generation to generation, this family tradition links the modern-day Perahera with the rituals of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms.
The Seven Days of Ritual
Each of the seven days unfolds with unique offerings, drumming, and symbolic acts of cleansing:
Pē Karana Dinaya – Ritual pavilions decorated with solos mangala (auspicious rice flour patterns) and sacred offerings.
Sacred Drumming & Chanting – Musicians perform Mangul Béra, invoking blessings through rhythm.
Ritual Dance – Traditional dancers in ritual attire enact sacred movements tied to offerings such as Kothala Pada and Bulath Pada.
Kaliyama Ceremony – A climactic dance drama where performers in striking costumes drive away malevolent forces.
Garayakum (Final Night) – The concluding ritual, lasting until dawn, where evil is symbolically cast beyond the Hanthana mountain range, ensuring peace and balance remain.
Each of the seven days unfolds with unique offerings, drumming, and symbolic acts of cleansing:
Pē Karana Dinaya – Ritual pavilions decorated with solos mangala (auspicious rice flour patterns) and sacred offerings.
Sacred Drumming & Chanting – Musicians perform Mangul Béra, invoking blessings through rhythm.
Ritual Dance – Traditional dancers in ritual attire enact sacred movements tied to offerings such as Kothala Pada and Bulath Pada.
Kaliyama Ceremony – A climactic dance drama where performers in striking costumes drive away malevolent forces.
Garayakum (Final Night) – The concluding ritual, lasting until dawn, where evil is symbolically cast beyond the Hanthana mountain range, ensuring peace and balance remain.
Living Heritage Through My Lens
As a photographer, documenting the Waliyak Natuma was a profound experience. Unlike the dazzling lights and grand parades of the Randoli Perahera, this ritual unfolds in a quieter, more sacred atmosphere—where faith, tradition, and artistry intertwine.
Through my images, I aimed to capture not only the ritualistic details—the fire, drums, and dance—but also the spiritual essence that sustains this centuries-old tradition. These photographs stand as a tribute to Sri Lanka’s living heritage, preserved through devotion and duty.
As a photographer, documenting the Waliyak Natuma was a profound experience. Unlike the dazzling lights and grand parades of the Randoli Perahera, this ritual unfolds in a quieter, more sacred atmosphere—where faith, tradition, and artistry intertwine.
Through my images, I aimed to capture not only the ritualistic details—the fire, drums, and dance—but also the spiritual essence that sustains this centuries-old tradition. These photographs stand as a tribute to Sri Lanka’s living heritage, preserved through devotion and duty.
A Cultural Legacy
The Kandy Esala Perahera is often described as a cultural spectacle, but the Waliyak Natuma reminds us that beyond celebration lies responsibility—a responsibility to protect, bless, and cleanse. It is this unseen ritual that completes the Perahera, linking the festival not just to history, but to the spiritual wellbeing of the community.
📍 Sri Vishnu Devalaya, Kandy – Near the Dalada Maligawa
The Kandy Esala Perahera is often described as a cultural spectacle, but the Waliyak Natuma reminds us that beyond celebration lies responsibility—a responsibility to protect, bless, and cleanse. It is this unseen ritual that completes the Perahera, linking the festival not just to history, but to the spiritual wellbeing of the community.
📍 Sri Vishnu Devalaya, Kandy – Near the Dalada Maligawa
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