‘Pol Bulathey Yema’ (පොල් බුලතේ යෑම) – A Ritualistic Procession ...(කොහොඹා කංකාරිය පුර්ව චාරිත්‍)

The residents in the locality upon getting to know a Kohombayakkangkariya is going to be held in their village, devoutly seaside portions of rice, coconuts, betel leaves, vegetables and such in their households to be offered for this religious event. About seven or eight days before the Kohombayakkangkariya, a ritualistic procession called ‘Pol Bulathey Yema’ is conducted where the procession goes past each house in the village to ceremonially collect the rice, vegetables, and such that have been devoutly apportioned by households. Thus all the collected ‘alms’ are placed in a special hut or shelter called the ‘Yak Geya’, built on the site where the Kohombayakkangkariya is to take place.
The procession begins from the designated site of the Kohombayakkangkariya. At a designated auspicious time the procession sets out to the sound of ceremonial drums and conch shell blowing. Among the participants in this procession are, one of the chief shamans and the principal patron of the Kohombayakkangkariya, as well as several male elders in the locality. The devotees present their offerings with immense devotion and blessings are chanted by the chief shaman along the way.
Another feature related to the procession is the appropriation of coconut trees, and fruit trees in the gardens of households as being required for the Kohombayakkangkariya. The chosen trees are marked with coconut leaves tied around the trunks so they may be acquired later. A remarkable truth is that none of the householders object to this practice.

Pre-rituals for Traditional Kandyan Dance Sri Lanka


Directed by Athula Samarakoon