Kandy Esala Perahera

About

The Kandy Esala Perahera is a grand Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka, celebrated annually in July or August. It honors the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. The festival combines Buddhist and indigenous rituals, featuring elaborate processions with traditional dances, music, and decorated elephants. The event is a fusion of the Esala and Dalada Peraheras, dating back to the 3rd century BC and the 4th century AD, respectively. The festival includes five processions from different shrines, each dedicated to a deity: Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini. Performers include drummers, dancers, and fire-breathers. The highlight is the Randoli Perahera, culminating in the Diya Kapeema water-cutting ceremony. This festival is a cultural and spiritual spectacle, uniting people across faiths and backgrounds in a celebration of Sri Lanka's rich heritage. It attracts thousands of visitors seeking a deep cultural experience amidst vibrant performances and rituals.