Sri Lankas Peraheras – Sacred Elephant Processions: Documentary Review and Online Availability
On Tuesday (11.06.2024), the documentary „Sri Lankas Peraheras – Sacred Elephant Processions“ aired on television. If you missed it, you can catch the repeat broadcast on TV or watch it online.
If you missed the show on 3sat, you can still watch „Sri Lankas Peraheras – Sacred Elephant Processions“ by visiting the 3sat-Mediathek. This online platform offers a variety of TV programs for streaming on-demand, including this documentary. However, not all programs are available online immediately after airing on TV. Unfortunately, there are no upcoming reruns of the documentary on 3sat.
The documentary showcases the elaborate procession of sacred elephants in front of the magnificent Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the „Temple of the Tooth“ in Kandy. Each night, the holiest relic of the country is carried through the streets in a grand procession, accompanied by a spectacular light and sound show. This colorful spectacle transports the Sri Lankan population back to the era of monarchy and the origins of Buddhism, while captivating tourists with the exotic allure of the East.
The focus of the two-week Perahera festival is the ancient royal city, with the simultaneous celebration of the Perahera in Kataragama, which attracts fewer tourists but holds spiritual significance for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Kataragama serves as the spiritual center of the country, where both Buddhists and Hindus come together to honor the revered deity Kataragama, despite their differing identities and backgrounds.
While locals and tourists enjoy the festivities, animal rights activists strongly oppose the use of elephants in religious processions, criticizing the loud noise, bright lights, heavy chains around the elephants‘ legs, and the use of ankus sticks by mahouts to control the animals. However, the presence and reverence of temple elephants could potentially foster tolerance towards their wild counterparts, whose population is threatened globally, primarily due to the demand for ivory in Asian countries, notably China.
The documentary sheds light on the cultural richness and religious diversity of Sri Lanka, showcasing the hope for lasting peace and mutual respect, particularly evident in the multi-religious center of Kataragama. As the festival unfolds amidst the presence of various religious and social groups, it highlights the potential for coexistence and unity in a world marked by diversity.
Documentary Details:
– Title: Sri Lankas Peraheras – Sacred Elephant Processions
– Network: 3sat
– Production Year: 2023
– Duration: 52 minutes
– HD: Yes
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Biography:
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