The Gangaramaya Navam Perahera was born in the 1970’s, a period of general national strife. They were dark days, when people could not spare thoughts for such celebrations. Yet some had foreseen that a pageant like this would provide relief from the bleak spirit.

The first perahera was in 1979, held with the few traditional artistes who could be assembled. The procession then marched its way steadily to popularity, and is today the most important cultural pageant in Colombo, with many foreign visitors.

The perahera did a lot of good to a city feverish with unrest and conflict. It is a fascinating show replete with whip crackers, fire dancers, flag bearers, hundreds of beautifully caparisoned elephants, traditional Uda Rata, Pahatha Rata and Sabaragamuwa dancers, drummers and flutists. A unique feature of the perahera from its start was the procession of bhikkus.

Not only does the Navam Perahera preserve our cultural traditions, it also brings together the many different groups of people living in Colombo. It provides livelihoods not only to traditional artistes but supplies their families too with means of sustenance.