About on Kandy Esala Perahera
The Kandy Esala Perahera, also known as the Festival of the Tooth, is one of the most magnificent cultural and religious festivals in Sri Lanka. Celebrated annually in July and August in the sacred city of Kandy, this centuries-old procession pays homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which is housed at the world-renowned Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa).
A Celebration of Heritage and Faith
The Esala Perahera is a dazzling display of Sri Lankan heritage, combining devotion, artistry, and tradition. Thousands gather in Kandy to witness vibrant performances, including Kandyan drummers, fire dances, whip dancers, flag bearers, and beautifully adorned elephants carrying sacred relics and insignia. The heart of the procession is the Maligawa Tusker, who carries the Sacred Casket symbolizing the revered Tooth Relic.
The festival concludes with the Diya Kepeema—a symbolic water-cutting ceremony at the Mahaweli River in Getambe—marking the end of the rituals with blessings for prosperity and rainfall.
History of the Esala Perahera
The origins of the Esala Perahera trace back over 2,000 years. Initially performed as a ritual to invoke blessings of the gods for rain and fertility, it later merged with the Dalada Perahera following the arrival of the Sacred Tooth Relic from India in the 4th century CE.
During the Kingdom of Kandy, the procession was formalized into the grand spectacle seen today. Even after the fall of the Kandyan monarchy in 1815, the tradition continued under the guardianship of the Maha Sangha and the Diyawadana Nilame, who oversees the relic and festival.
The Procession and Rituals
The festival begins with the Kap Situveema (planting of a sacred jackfruit tree) at the four shrines dedicated to Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini—the guardian deities of Kandy.
The Perahera unfolds in several stages:
Kumbal Perahera – the first five nights of processions inside the Devales.
Randoli Perahera – the grandest phase, featuring royal palanquins, majestic elephants, traditional dancers, and musicians.
Diya Kepeema & Day Perahera – the closing rituals at the Mahaweli River, symbolizing purification and blessings.
Sacred Elephants and Cultural Symbolism
The elephants of the Esala Perahera, especially the ceremonial tuskers like the famous Raja and Nadungamuwa Raja, hold a sacred place in Sri Lankan history. They have carried the Sacred Casket for generations, embodying dignity and reverence in the procession.
Why the Kandy Esala Perahera is Unmissable
Recognized as one of Asia’s greatest religious pageants, the Kandy Esala Perahera is more than a festival—it’s a living tradition that connects Buddhism, culture, and community. With its mix of ancient rituals, dazzling performances, and spiritual devotion, it stands as a unique cultural treasure of Sri Lanka.
For travelers, pilgrims, and culture enthusiasts, experiencing the Esala Perahera in Kandy is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s heritage.