පෙරහැර මංගල්‍යය සහ සමාජ අනුකලනය: (අනුරාධපුර අභයගිරි පෙරහැර ආශ්‍රයෙන් සිද්ධි අධ්‍යයනයක්) - The Perahera Festival and Social Integration: (A Case Study Based on Anuradhapura Abhayagiri Perahera)

The Perahera festival, which has a significant effect on a group of people and leads to societal integration, illustrates key features of Buddhist history. Accordingly, the specific objectives of this study were to explore how Perahara affects individuals in North Central Province, to discover deity cults associated with Perahera, and to analyze the influence of Perahera on society. This qualitative study gathered data using semi-structured interviews and direct and indirect observations. Purposive sampling was utilized to obtain primary data, and the study sample included 10 villages and two government personal from the research area.
The study found that government and provincial assistance is critical in developing consciousness about Perahera. Since they all became spectators of Perahera. This Perahera played a crucial role in transferring Buddhist ideals to people and influencing build up the collectivity of people by disregarding distinction based on lay clergy, gender, race, religion, age, and caste. Perahera has led to people becoming organizers and gatherings, discussions, and decision-making of the organizing committees have produced collective consensus. Furthermore, giving arms and providing food for animals increased charity and interrelationships with people and other temples.