Kandy Esala Perahera: Sri Lanka's Most Magnificent Festival

The Grand Procession

The Kandy Esala Perahera is one of the oldest and most spectacular Buddhist festivals in the world, held annually in July or August in the hill capital of Kandy. This ten-day festival honors the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha housed in the Temple of the Tooth.

History and Significance

Dating back to the 4th century AD, the Perahera combines religious devotion with cultural celebration. The festival was originally held to invoke blessings for the land and people, ensuring adequate rainfall for crops. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition and national identity.

The Procession Elements

The nightly processions feature over 100 majestically adorned elephants, including the Maligawa Tusker who carries the golden casket containing the Sacred Tooth Relic. Traditional dancers perform various indigenous dance forms including Kandyan dances, low-country dances, and up-country dances.

Fire Performers and Whip Crackers

Spectacular fire dancers and whip crackers add drama to the procession. The rhythmic cracking of whips is believed to ward off evil spirits, while fire dancers create mesmerizing patterns in the darkness, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.

The Day Perahera

On the final day, a special day procession called the "Diya Kepeema" takes place at the Getambe junction, where a priest cuts the water at a sacred spot, symbolically dividing the waters for the new year and marking the festival's conclusion.

Experience the Festival

To witness this magnificent event, book accommodations months in advance. Paid seating along the procession route ensures the best views. The festival atmosphere extends beyond the main procession, with food stalls, cultural performances, and traditional crafts on display throughout the city.