Exploring the Role of the Gaṃgārohaṇa Pūjā in Sri Lankan Religious, Social, and Political Contexts

Abstract

The Gaṃgārohaṇa is an ancient Buddhist religious festival originated in India and was later celebrated in Sri Lanka. The festival is believed to have been introduced to Sri Lanka in the early 19th century, with the earliest recorded celebrations taking place in the southern coastal town of Matara. The research problem is to determine the historical significance of the Gaṃgārohaṇa Pūjā in understanding contemporary conditions. The data for this study were collected using two methods: literature surveys and field surveys. Literature surveys were conducted using both secondary and primary sources, with most primary sources dating back to the 19th century. Field investigations were conducted in selected places that have a close association with the Gaṃgārohaṇa Pūjā, such as the Hiththetiya Rajamaha Viharaya, Godapitiya Jethavanaramaya, and Saram Mudali's walauwa. In-depth interviews were also conducted with selected key informants. The collected historical data were analyzed using the content analysis method. The research findings reveal that the Gaṃgārohaṇa Pūjā cannot merely be described as a religious offering as it was organized based on the political, social, and cultural needs of the time. This research highlights the importance of understanding the historical context and significance of religious festivals in order to assess their role and impact on the contemporary society.

Keywords: Gaṃgārohaṇa, Matara, Nilvala River, Religious Revival, Saram Mudali