Why do whip crackers walk at the very front of the Perahera?

Whip crackers walk right at the forefront, to audibly announce the arrival of the procession, clear the streets of onlookers, and symbolically frighten off evil spirits.

The sharp, thunderous crack of the heavy, handmade whips acts like a traditional sound herald. In ancient times, this helped make sure that citizens knew the King and the sacred relics were on the way, demanding immediate respect, and also clearance of the thoroughfare. Today, it remains the exhilarating acoustic signal that the spectacle has officially begun.