Kandy Esala Perahara

The Kandy Esala Perahara is one of Asia’s most spectacular religious festivals, held annually in July/August in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It honors the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, carried through the streets in a dazzling procession of dancers, drummers, elephants, and fire performers. Over 10 days, the city comes alive with color, rhythm, and devotion — drawing hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists alike.

Dating back over 2,000 years, the Esala Perahara originated in ancient Sri Lankan royal traditions to invoke blessings for rain and prosperity. When Buddhism arrived, it merged with the veneration of the Buddha’s Tooth Relic, housed in the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa). The modern form was formalized by the Kandyan kings in the 18th century and remains a living cultural treasure today.

• 🎭 Traditional Kandyan Dances — Fire dances, whip dances, and rhythmic movements in golden costumes
• 🐘 Majestic Elephants — Caparisoned tuskers, especially the lead elephant carrying the sacred casket
• 🔥 Night Fire Rituals — Torchlight processions and mesmerizing fire performances at midnight
• 🥁 Hypnotic Drumming — 100+ drummers playing Davula and Thammattama in perfect harmony
• 🛕 Spiritual Energy — Deep reverence at the Temple of the Tooth before and during the event
• 🏮 Street Festivities — Lanterns, food stalls, traditional crafts, and vibrant crowds

The Perahara is led by sacred custodians and traditional performers:

• Devales — Four Hindu shrines (Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, Pattini) each bring their own perahara
• Kandyan Dancers — Masters wearing elaborate masks and gold-threaded costumes
• Drummers — Generations of families preserving Sinhalese percussion
• Elephant Handlers — Caretakers of the sacred tuskers, revered as temple servants
• Temple Priests — Carry the Golden Casket (Ranuththu Wandura) containing the Tooth Relic

📅 When: Usually late July to early August (dates vary yearly)

📍 Where: Kandy, Sri Lanka — Route: Temple of the Tooth → Maduwa → Dalada Maligawa

🕒 Best Time: Evening (8 PM – 11 PM)

💰 Entry: Free — arrive early for good viewing spots!

🚗 Transport: Tuk-tuks, taxis, or walk from central Kandy

🌐 Official Site: www.sridaladamaligawa.lk