Festival Of New Rice
The New Harvest Festival of Gadaladeniya Rajmaha Viharaya, held on the 25th of January, coinciding with the Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day, epitomizes tradition and cultural reverence. Rooted deeply in centuries-old customs, this sacred event honors the Lord Buddha by dedicating freshly harvested rice in the ancient Temples and Devalas, including the Temple of the Tooth Relic In Kandy.
The ceremony commences with a small ceremony in the traditional granary complex nestled in Pallekale, which belongs to the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Here, officials meticulously distribute the newly harvested rice to 91 temples and Devalas across Kandy, including Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya and Gadaladeniya Vishnu Dewalaya.
In a scene reminiscent of ancient rituals, the rice, symbolizing prosperity and blessings, is respectfully brought on a solemn procession to the temple. Every step of this journey resonates with the echoes of tradition, carrying the weight of generations past.
Within the sacred precincts of Gadaladeniya Rajmaha Viharaya, each offering presented to the Buddha is crafted with meticulous care and devotion, using the freshly harvested rice as a testament to gratitude and reverence.
The New Harvest Festival at Gadaladeniya Rajmaha Viharaya stands as a poignant reminder of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual legacy, perpetuated through cherished tradition.
