Kandy Esala Perahera
The Kandy Esala Perahera is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic cultural and religious festivals, held annually in July or August in the historic city of Kandy. This vibrant 10-day procession honors the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, housed at the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa). The festival is a stunning display of traditional Kandyan dancing, drumming, and decorated elephants, most notably the majestic tusker that carries the golden casket containing a replica of the Tooth Relic.
Thousands of devotees and tourists gather to witness this sacred spectacle, which blends spiritual devotion with artistic grandeur. Each night, the perahera grows in magnificence, featuring fire dancers, whip crackers, flag bearers, and ornately dressed performers. It culminates in the grand Randoli Perahera, the most lavish of all.
The Kandy Esala Perahera not only showcases the island’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions but also offers visitors a chance to experience the unique unity of religion, culture, and community spirit in Sri Lanka. If you're visiting during this period, it’s a must-see event that captures the soul of Sri Lankan heritage.