copenlu/druid huggingface dataset:
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2024-08-13): Did Harini say that elephants would not be taken for the Dalada procession under their rule? [...] A statement stated by the National People’s Party MP Dr. Harini Amarasuriya about the Kandy Dalada Procession is being widely circulated on social media. [...] "If elephants are not used, the Dalada procession can be performed by the Buddhist people even under our rule – Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim, we can all parade together," was mentioned on the posts shared.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2020-05-14): The Esala is believed to be a fusion of two separate but interconnected Peraheras – The Esala and Dalada. The Esala Perahera, which is thought to date back to the 3rd century BC, was a ritual enacted to request the gods for rainfall. The Dalada Perahera is believed to have begun when the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka from India during the 4th century CE, eight hundred years after the passing away of Lord Buddha. [...] The Kandy Perahera originates with the arrival of Prince Dantaha and Princess Hemamala, in India to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Kirthisiri (Keerthisiri) Meghawanna (305-331 AD). Following the decree of King Kirthisiri Meghawanna that the Relic should be taken around the city of Anuradhapura once a year, the Esala Perahera had been followed by the succession of kings, though with interruptions caused by foreign invasions. But then the invasion of Dravida resulted in the shifting of the kingdoms from one place to another. On each retreat, a temple was constructed to enshrine the Sacred Tooth Relic. Then finally the Sacred Tooth Relic was placed in the Kandy Dalada Maligawa with the great honor. Since then the Esala Perahera has been held annually to rejoice and honor the Sacred Tooth Relic at Kandy.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2022-12-12): The Kandy Perahera in Sri Lanka is not only one of the oldest rituals in Buddhism, but one of the oldest extant rituals in all of Asia. "Perahera" means procession. Processional music and dancing is a marker of antiquity because some of the earliest ritual processions grew from stationary artists starting to move. It follows that dance steps and sequences, as well as musical modalities, evolved to suit a large moving mass of people. The Kandy Perahera is one of the largest rituals of processing people on the planet, featuring elephants, drummers, monks, dancers, swordsmen, musicians, acrobats, fire-handlers, and whip-crackers clearing the way. It is Buddhism as ancient, exotic, and integrated with local belief as one can find. [...] Today, the Kandy Esala Perahera continues its annual performance, although the caste structures are less strictly enforced and represented. Older, smaller perahera rituals in more remote communities reflect older social structures than those in cities and towns. The glory of Kandyan dance and the splendor of the Perahera have only grown in significance. Kandyan dance is the top cultural export of Sri Lanka, and the Kandy Esala Perahera is the top tourist and pilgrimage event in the country. It is showered in superlatives: the oldest Buddhist ritual! The grandest Buddhist ritual of the ancient world! The longest ritual procession in Asia! We can say with some certainty that it is the Buddhist ritual with the most elephants, and that says a lot about where it is from and how very old it is.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2014-09-05): The history of the Kandy Dalada Perahera, or "Tooth Relic Procession," in Sri Lanka is an illustrious one that is closely associated with a holy tooth relic of the Buddha. Fearing unfriendly repercussions from neighboring kingdoms due to his conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism, the king of Kalinga, Guhaseeva, decided to send the tooth relic in his possession from India to Ceylon. Charged with the safe transport of the precious object, his daughter Hemamala and her husband Dantha disguised themselves as Brahmins and arrived at Lankapatuna (now Ilankeiturei) in 310. The Ceylonese king, Kirthi Sri Meghawanna (r. 302–30), welcomed them and with great enthusiasm, installed the relic in the Mahavihara temple in Anuradhapura. These facts are mentioned in the ancient texts Dhatawansaya (Chronicles of the tooth relic), Daladasiritha (Customs and history of the tooth relic), and Daladapujawaliya (Records of offerings made to the tooth relic).
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2015-01-01): The Kandy Esala Dalada Perahera (Procession of Kandy) is a grand festival celebrated with elegant costumes and is held in July and August in Kandy, Sri Lanka. This historical procession is held annually to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, which is housed at the Temple of the Tooth or "Sri Dalada Maligawa" in Kandy. The Esala Dalada Perahera is believed to have begun when the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka from India during the 4th century, eight hundred years after the passing away of Lord Buddha. [...] The Kandy Esala Dalada Perahera begins with the "Kap Situveema", in which a sanctified young Jackfruit tree (Artocarpus integrifolia) is cut and planted in the premises of each of the four Devales (Temples) dedicated to the four guardian gods Natha, Vishnu, Katharagama and goddess Pattini. [...] On the sixth night, the Kumbal Perahera begins and continues on for five days and then Randoli Perahera begins. After a further five nights of the Randoli Perahera, the pageant ends with the Diya Kepeema, which is the water cutting ceremony at the Mahaweli River at Getambe, a town a few miles from Kandy. A Day Perahera is held to mark the ceremony.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2024-06-03): The most lucid account of the Sri Dalada Perahera is in the travel records of Chinese pilgrims Monk Fa-Hien, who visited Sri Lanka in the fifth century A.D. "Fa-Hien says "By the side of the King’s Palace is the Vihara of the Buddha’s Tooth, several hundred feet high, brilliant with jewellers and ornamented with rare gems. Above the Vihara is placed an upright pole on which is fixed a great padmaraja (ruby) jwell….. The Tooth of the Buddha was always brought forth in the middle of the third month. Ten days beforehand the king grandly caparisoned a large elephant on which he mounted a man dressed in royal robes, who could speak distinctly, and the man went round beating a large drum, describing the life and the virtues of the Buddha, and announcing to the public; ‘Behold, ten days after this, Buddha’s Tooth will be brought forth, and taken to the Abhayagiri Vihara. Let all and each, whether monks or laymen, who wish to amass merit for themselves, make the road smooth and in good condition, grandly adorn lanes and by ways, and provide abundant store of flowers and in cense to be used as offerings to it." [...] The Dalada Festival was held wherever the Kingdom was taken. In Kandy, the Dalada perahera originated in 1754 A.D. [...] This is the first Dalada perahera of the Kandyan Kingdom
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2020-09-29): The modern incarnation of the Perahera was distinguished from the old Perahera due to one principle reason: the inclusion of the ‘Dalada’, the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, in the procession. In the beginning, only the ‘Devale Peraheras’ were held, which reflected Hinduism, because of the influence of the South Indian queens (and their customs and traditions) married by the Kandyan kings. [...] Following the Kumbal Perahera, ‘Randoli Perahera’ in which the Sacred Tooth Relic is carried colours the Kandyan streets for the next five days. As history reveals, in the kingdom of Kandy, the main queen of the prevailing king, known as the ‘Randoli’, would accompany the procession in a palanquin alongside the elephants. With the integration of the Dalada Perahera, this tradition had to be altered, as the participation of queens is unsuited for the procession of the Tooth Relic. Henceforth, the palanquins joined the procession at the very end. This tradition can be observed even today, however, with the inclusion of emblems of the tutelary deities of the four devales, it is now being incorporated predominantly to pay homage to the divine.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (1997-01-01): The Esala Perehera in Kandy is believed to be a fusion of two separate but interconnected "Peraheras" (Processions) � The Esala and Dalada. The Esala Perahera which is thought to date back to the 3rd century BC, was a ritual enacted to request the gods for rainfall. The Dalada Perahera is believed to have begun when the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka from India during the 4th Century AD. [...] Diya Kepeema and the Day PeraheraAfter a further five nights of the Randoli Perahera, the pageant ends with the Diya Kepeema, which is the water cutting ceremony at the Mahaweli River at Getambe, a town a few miles from Kandy. A Day Perahera is held to mark the ceremony. [...] The Maligawa officials also meet the owners of the elephants due to take part in the Perahera (most elephants are privately owned). The dance troupes are given time to prepare. The Basnayake Nilames (the lay custodians of the Devales) are then told to organise their processions.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2023-01-01): The glittering Esala Perahera, which is 235 years old, is one of the grandest events we have in Sri Lanka. Many locals and foreigners look forward to witness this wonderful festival every year. This is held during the Esala month, in August, honouring the sacred tooth relic. Many foreigners who have been fascinated by the Perahera have written notes about it; among them is the famous British poet and novelist, D. H. Lawrence, who describes the Perahera as a "perpetual fire-laughing motion among the slow shuffle of elephants." [...] The Perahera is held according to some rituals coming down from traditions. They are known as ‘Esala-keliya'. This festival begins with the installation of ‘kapa' in each Devale. According to the ritual, for five days after installation of kapa, the kapuralas of each devale take it around every evening in a procession, accompanied by music and drumming and along with flag and canopy bearers and spearmen, and the sacred emblem of the gods.' This is known as the Devale Perahera. [...] This time the Kandy Esala Perahera will be held in a grand style and will be a testament that Sri Lanka is ready for tourism after the peace!
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2024-08-24): A viral social media post claimed that Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, a National List MP of the National People’s Power (NPP), made a statement calling the behaviour of the Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of the Tooth Relic(Dalada Maligawa) "disgusting" and that legal steps have been taken against him. The date of the statement mentioned is 21st August. [...] Dalada Perahera: The final Randoli Perahera of the Dalada Perahera concluded on August 19th, marking the end of one of Sri Lanka's most significant cultural and religious events. This grand procession, held annually in Kandy, celebrates the sacred Tooth Relic housed in the Sri Dalada Maligawa. In the days surrounding this event, discussions and posts about the Dalada Perahera and Dalada Maligawa surged on social media and other platforms, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual significance of the Perahera to the Sri Lankan people. These posts likely emerged in the context of the Perahera's conclusion, as the event garners widespread attention and devotion across the country. Read also: Dr Harini Amarasuriya Did NOT say Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2024-08-18): The "Dantha Dhathu Charitha" or "Dalada Siritha" is a book about customs related to the sacred tooth relic that was written during the reign of Parakramabahu IV (1302-1326) of Kurunagala. It contains the majority of the customs. The Dalada Siritha stated 38 statutes, on which a perahara pageant should be conducted. [...] As the primary holder of this honourable responsibility, "Diyawadana Nilame" has expressed gratitude to those who create exquisite elephant gowns, particularly those made of batik, and has emphasised the significance of keeping them understated yet sophisticated in order to maintain the aesthetic appeal and cultural significance of the Kandy Perahera. We should all be grateful to him and his crew for putting together the best event in Sri Lanka, which runs for ten days straight and leaves no space for error.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2024-09-02): The Kandy Esala Perahera (the Sri Dalada Perahara procession of Kandy) also known as The Festival of the Tooth is a festival held in July and August in Kandy, Sri Lanka. This historical procession is held annually to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. A unique symbol of Sri Lanka, the procession consists of traditional local dances such as fire dances and performances in whip-dance garments. The festival ends with the traditional Diya-kepeema ritual, a water cutting ceremony which is held at the Mahaweli River at Getambe, Kandy.[1]
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2024-01-01): During the kingdoms of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Gampola, Kotte, Seethawaka and Kandy annual Dalada Perahera was performed as a showcase of the guardianship of the Sacred Tooth Relic along with all rituals and Poojas. [...] The tradition of Dalada Perahera, which was based on Buddhist respect and kindness, combined with rituals of Devala, prioritizing the ultimate humanity. The Kandy Esala Perahera Casket which is considered as living Lord Buddha which parades the streets is worshipped by the divinity, humanity and elephants. This is considered to be the oldest cultural event in the world and continues with its colourful,glamorous splendour making it an out of this world experience.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2024-05-31): Of these, the most important is the Esala Mangallaya for which the Dalada Perahera is one of the most colourful and vibrant cultural celebrations in Sri Lanka. Esala, according to the Sinhalese Calendar, is the month of July/August This is the month in which Kandy gets into a festive mood. Shopkeepers and hoteliers pile up their stock to cater to the massive crowds that throng the city. Maligawa and its premises are gaily decorated and are illuminated with strings of lights, including the esplanade. [...] The Kandy Easala Perahera (Sri Dalada Perahera) will be held on 10th August to 20th August 2024. There are 11 perahera processions during these days. The most vibrant perahera is the Final Randoli Perehera procession on 19th August 2024. [...] The Esala Perahera proper begins as the cannon booms. Leading the Perahera is the band of whip crackers who crack their whips in a rhythmic pattern announcing it that the Esala Perahera is on. Immediately following are two o flag bearers carrying the two flags of the Sathara Korale (known as Ira Kodiya) embossed with the symbols of the sun and the moon indicating the wish that this Perahera be held until the sun and the moon last. Next comes the Peramunerala, attired in the traditional white dress and riding a caparisoned elephant and carrying the sannasa, the royal charter to hold the Perahera. Following him is the Gajanayake, the Maligawa official in charge of the elephants, elegantly dressed in traditional Kandyan dress carrying the ankusaya the instrument by which elephants are controlled.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2024-08-12): The historic Kandy Esala Perahera will parade the streets of the ancient Hill Capital, from August 10-20 this year. The procession will be conducted in line with traditional rituals, and will be headed by the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Nilanga Dela Bandara (Custodian) in association with the four Basnayake Nilames (Chief Custodians) of the four main devales (temples): Vishnu, Natha, Patthini and Kataragama. [...] The origins of the Kandy Esala Perehera dates back to King Kithsiri Mevan (Megavanna) (301 – 328 BC). Time and again, state kings in India waged wars against each other to take procession of the Buddha’s Relics. [...] However, an era of religious renaissance was ushered in Sri Lanka during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe. At the time, most Ven. Asarana Sarana Saranankara Welivita Sri Sangaraja Mahathera of Malwatta Maha Viharaya Kandy, reestablished the higher ordination. Once the Devala Perahera went past the Sri Dalada Maligawa while the King and Maha Sangha were present at the occasion, the Upali Maha Thera of Siyam, proposed to the King that the Sri Dalada Perahera should lead such processions. Thus, the annual Kandy Esala Perahera was initiated by the King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe, and is carried out to date.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2024-07-08): It is dedicated to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, which is housed in the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy. The festival spans over ten days and culminates in the grand finale, known as the Randoli Perahera. [...] The elephants play a significant role in the Kandy Esala Perahera. They are beautifully decorated and carry the sacred relics in golden caskets on their backs. The majestic sight of these adorned elephants, accompanied by traditional drummers and flag bearers, is a highlight of the festival. [...] To get the best experience of the Kandy Esala Perahera, it is essential to choose the right viewing spot. The area around the Temple of the Tooth provides an up-close view of the procession. Other popular spots include the Queen’s Hotel, Dalada Veediya (Tooth Relic Street), and the Kandy Lake bund.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2024-09-11): Buddhist Literature unveils various pageants and festivities held in great honor of Lord Buddha. The perahara pageant concept became popular during the reign of Emperor Asoka of India. Kandy Perahara pageant really pageant which displays traditional customs. Majority of them been intermingled with the Buddhist and Hindu religious customs. [...] The Dalada Siritha stated 38 statutes, on which a Perahara pageant should be conducted. Accordingly, the Shrine Room of the Sacred Tooth Relic should be cleaned at the auspicious hour. canopies should be tied, should be decorated beautifully with various silk clothes; The king team of ministers and general public of the city should make offering of rice, flowers and light oil lamps on the 7th day morning, the city should be decorated like the heaven on the same day evening, the chief priests of Uttara Mula Sect personnel of two castes Ganavesi and Kilin should move the Sacred Relic casked with utmost veneration.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2024-08-12): Dr. Harini Amarasuriya Did NOT say Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants [...] Social media posts claim that NPP National List MP Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that if the NPP comes to power in the upcoming elections, the Kandy Dalada Perahera will only be allowed if elephants are not used for the function. Additionally, it is claimed that she said the Sinhala Buddhist function should be conducted with the collaboration of all ethnicities, including Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim communities. [...] The claims circulating on social media that Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated the Kandy Dalada Perahera would only be allowed without the use of elephants and that it should involve all ethnicities are false. These statements have not been made by Dr. Amarasuriya, and the misinformation appears to be intentionally misleading. Always verify the authenticity of such claims by checking credible sources or directly contacting the individual concerned before spreading information.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2016-08-08): Annual Kandy Esala Perahera will begin parading the streets tonight with the Kumbal Perahera. The KumbalPerahera will be held until 12th Friday. The RandoliPerahera will commence on the 13thand will finish with the final Randoli Perahera on 17th August. The entire Esala festival will conclude with the day Perahera and water cutting ceremony to be held on Thursday, 18th August. According to the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy, nearly 75 tamed elephants and tuskers will join this year’s procession. The final Randoli Perahera will be telecast live on local and foreign media, he said.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2021-08-13): Colombo, August 12 (Xinhua): A tusker, escorted by the Special Task Force is on a 10-day journey to participate in the Kandy Esala Perahera, which is scheduled to be held from Aug. 14 to 24 in Kandy.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2023-09-04): In a profound display of reverence for Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage, President Ranil Wickremesinghe graced the concluding Randoli Perahara of the esteemed Esala Perahara festival, held at the iconic Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. [...] At the stroke of 7:03 pm, today (30), the enchanting Esala Perehara commenced its majestic journey, traversing through the heart of Kandy's historic streets. The procession followed an enchanting route along Dalada Widiya, Yatinuvara Widiya, Kande Widiya, D S Senanayake Widiya, and culminated by passing through Raja Widiya.
Claim: Kandy Dalada Perahera should be held Without Elephants - Harini Amarasuriya (Social Media Users, 2024-08-10)
Evidence (2024-09-25): In April, Sri Lankans celebrate the Buddhist and Hindu new year festival. Esala Perahera is a symbolic Buddhist festival consisting of dances and decorated elephants held in Kandy in July and August. Fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian dances and various other cultural dances are integral parts of the festival. Christians celebrate Christmas on 25 December to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and Easter to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Tamils celebrate Thai Pongal and Maha Shivaratri, and Muslims celebrate Hajj and Ramadan.