Art has always been a way for people to connect with God and express their feelings. Colours, textures, and imagination make it look like culture, history, and belief. The painting "Festival of Tooth" by Sanjana Patel is a beautiful example of this connection, combining art and spirituality. This beautiful acrylic painting on canvas shows the spirit of the Festival of the Tooth, also known as the Esala Perahera, which is one of Asia's most important holidays. It takes place in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Click here to see the art: Festival of Tooth by Sanjana Patel – Zigguratss
About the Art
- Title: Festival of Tooth
- Artist: Sanjana Patel
- Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
- Size: 35.56 x 45.72 cm (14 x 18 inches)*
- Category: Religious Painting
- Shipped as: Rolled
- Available on: Zigguratss – Online Art Store
This painting shows the reverence, colour, and spiritual celebration that are part of the Festival of the Tooth. Sanjana Patel paints not just a scene but a spiritual experience with her signature acrylic strokes and well-balanced colours. Her work shows both calmness and energy, which is how faith and celebration can live together.
The Person Who Made the Canvas
Sanjana Patel - Mumbai, India
Sanjana Patel, an artist from Mumbai who taught herself how to paint, has been doing it since she learned that art could help her relax and concentrate. Her style has changed over the years to become something that is both deeply personal and easy to understand. Sanjana paints from a place of authenticity rather than imitation. She is inspired by traditional art, mythology, and travel.
She thinks her paintings should "do the talking" and show feelings that words can't. With the Festival of Tooth, she shows devotion and culture in a simple and graceful way. Her art often looks at how heritage and modern expression can work together, which makes it interesting to both collectors and people who are new to art.
Learning about the Festival of the Tooth
The Festival of the Tooth, or Esala Perahera, is one of the oldest and biggest Buddhist festivals in the world. Every year, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, there is a celebration to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, which is kept in the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa).
This festival has been going on for more than 1,700 years. The story goes that in the 4th century CE, Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha smuggled the Buddha's left tooth into Sri Lanka from India. They hid it in the princess's hair. People thought that whoever had the relic was the rightful ruler of the land and that it was a sign of divine power.
People have honored this holy relic for hundreds of years with elaborate processions and ceremonies. The Esala Perahera, which takes place in the lunar month of Esala (July–August), is the biggest event of these celebrations. It brings together religious devotion, art, music, and tradition in a stunning show that draws thousands of worshippers and visitors every year.
Rituals, Symbols, and Grandeur
The Esala Perahera is more than just a religious event; it's a living display of Sri Lanka's artistic and spiritual history. The festival lasts for several days and includes majestic elephants adorned with ornaments, Kandyan dancers, drummers, and torch bearers who light up the streets of Kandy at night.
A beautifully decorated elephant carrying a golden casket with a replica of the Sacred Tooth Relic is at the center of the procession. This stands for both respect and protection, since the actual relic is still in the temple. The drums, chants, and music all work together to make a space that feels both holy and fun. They mix faith with cultural art.
The meaning behind the festival is deep:
- It stands for the unity of faith and government, since the relic used to stand for royal power. It asks for blessings for peace, prosperity, and safety for the country.
- It keeps alive art forms that are hundreds of years old, like dance, drumming, costume design, and ritual choreography.
How Sanjana Patel Makes the Festival Come Alive
Sanjana Patel uses modern techniques to show the heart of this old festival in "Festival of Tooth." Her acrylic paintings use vibrant yet harmonious colours to show both the spiritual intensity and joyful celebration of the Perahera.
Every brushstroke shows how deeply she is involved in cultural storytelling. The painting doesn't just show an event; it shows what it was like to have faith and be together. She connects the physical and spiritual worlds through balanced composition and texture, showing how art can be a way to both reflect on and celebrate life.
Patel's interest in religious and cultural themes isn't because she wants to copy them; it's because she really likes them. Her work has a meditative quality to it—calm but strong—just like the festival itself, which is both calm and dynamic.
The Festival's Importance Around the World and in Art
The Festival of the Tooth started as a Buddhist holiday, but it has since grown into a symbol of Sri Lanka's cultural identity and human devotion. Its message of respect, unity, and honoring the past is heard all over the world. Its colors, rhythm, and sacred atmosphere still inspire artists, photographers, and travelers.
In a world where traditions often fade away because of modernity, works of art like Festival of Tooth help us remember the past. They remind us that art and spirituality have always gone hand in hand, giving us comfort, meaning, and connection.
By painting this subject, Sanjana Patel helps keep these old customs alive and makes them available to people all over the world through modern art. Her version turns a historical festival into a universal sign of peace, purity, and cultural pride.
Why You Should Add "Festival of Tooth" to Your Collection
Having a painting like "Festival of Tooth" isn't just a matter of taste; it's a link to art, spirituality, and cultural heritage. The work shows:
- Cultural significance — based on a tradition that goes back hundreds of years
- Modern artistry — shown through acrylics and composition
- Emotional depth — bringing about calm, devotion, and awe
There is a connection between the painting and the artist's journey, as well as the festival's message of reverence and unity that has lasted through time.
You can look at and buy the painting directly from Zigguratss online art gallery here: Festival of Tooth by Sanjana Patel
Last Thoughts
The painting "Festival of Tooth" by Sanjana Patel is not only beautiful to look at, but it also honours faith, culture, and the ability of art to keep traditions alive. Patel's work connects the past and the present, as well as what we see and what we feel.
In one picture, she shows the beauty of the Esala Perahera and the peace of devotion, reminding us that real art doesn't just make things look nice; it connects people, stories, and centuries.
