The Kandy Esala Perahera is Sri Lanka’s annual grand festival, held each year in July or August. The main events take place at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and in the streets of Kandy, featuring vibrant parades, traditional dances, drumming, and beautifully decorated elephants.
According to legend, after the Buddha Sakyamuni attained parinirvana, his tooth relic was distributed among rulers of various regions. Centuries later, one of these tooth relics was hidden in the hair bun of the Indian Princess Hemamala and, after enduring numerous hardships, was brought to Sri Lanka. Since then, this tooth relic has become a sacred Buddhist object and a national symbol of Sri Lanka.
To honor Buddha Shakyamuni and the sacred tooth relic, the Kandy Kingdom officially established the Esala Perahera festival in Sri Lanka. The festival serves to promote Buddhist teachings and to pray for favorable weather and abundant harvests.
Esala Perahera – Phase 1: Temple Processions
The festival kicks off with the ceremonial cutting of a young jackfruit tree. The branches of this tree are then planted in front of temples dedicated to Lord Natha, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Pattini as an offering. Following this ritual, lively processions take place in front of these temples to mark the beginning of the celebrations.
Esala Perahera – Phase 2: Gombara Procession
During this phase, the procession gathers at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Once assembled, ceremonial gunfire signals the official start of the Gombara Procession. The parade then moves through the streets surrounding the temple, gradually growing in scale as more monks, dancers, and musicians join the procession, creating a vibrant and lively spectacle.
Esala Perahera – Phase 3: Randoli Procession
This phase marks the climax of the festival, as elaborately decorated elephants and golden palanquins join the procession. The highlight is the magnificent elephant adorned with vibrant lights and ornaments, carrying a grand canopy that shelters the sacred tooth relic. The elephant parades through the streets, allowing the public to pay homage to the relic. This stage of the procession is the most grand and spectacular, drawing the largest crowds of spectators.
Esala Perahera – Closing Ceremony: The Water-Cutting Ritual
On the final day of the festival, the Water-Cutting Ritual takes place a few kilometers outside Kandy along the Mahaweli River. This ceremony is performed to pray for abundant rainfall in the coming year and for peace and prosperity across the nation.
Tips for Visiting the Kandy Esala Perahera
1.During the festival, the Kandy region observes restrictions on alcohol and the killing of animals. Alcohol, fresh meat, and live fish are not sold anywhere in the city.
2.Seating on the parade stands is very limited and highly sought-after, so it is recommended to book in advance.
3.The festival attracts large crowds. Plan your itinerary carefully and arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
