This film by Werner Zips looks at the processions involving elephants in Sri Lanka. You might expect it to focus on the most famous of these at Kandy, when the Buddha’s tooth relic in paraded through the streets for two weeks in July/August. But rather it focuses on the all-tradition Kataragama perahera, which brings people from all faiths together for the reuniting of Kataragama (Skandha) with Valli, his wife.
The film looks at various issues, such as animal rights, the bond between mahout and his elephant, the problems that arose during Covid when poaching became a major issue, as the economy collapsed with the lack of tourists. It also looks at the disastrous civil war, and I think this is why the filmmaker wanted to focus on Kataragama, which brings together people across ethnic and religious lines. Each has his/her own reason to celebrate the festival, but all come together in the same space at the same time.
Buddhists regard Kataragama as a lord protector of the island; Hindus regard Skandha as the god of courage, determination, and spiritual protection; Muslims take part worshipping Al-Khidr (The Green Man who taught Moses); and Veddas also take part, recognising their importance as the original inhabitants of the island. Well photographed and sensitively written, this film shows the unique cultural diversity of Sri Lanka.
if the video does not appear on the page, try reloading the page; and if that doesn’t work, leave a comment so I can update the page (the comment is not published)
to see an album of screenshots click here