The Kandy Esala Perahera, also known as the Kandy Perahera, is an annual festival that takes place in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most famous festivals in Sri Lanka and is celebrated in honor of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which is housed in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.
The festival takes place over ten days in July or August and features a grand procession of elephants, dancers, drummers, and other performers. The procession starts from the Temple of the Tooth and makes its way through the streets of Kandy, accompanied by thousands of spectators.
The highlight of the festival is the Dalada Maligawa Perahera, or the “Temple of the Tooth Procession,” which takes place on the final night of the festival. This is the most elaborate and grandest part of the festival, with hundreds of performers, including drummers, dancers, and fire-eaters, taking part in the procession. The Sacred Tooth Relic is also carried in a golden casket atop the back of a majestic elephant during the procession.
The Kandy Esala Perahera is a unique cultural event that showcases Sri Lanka’s rich traditions and heritage. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world each year and is a must-see for anyone visiting Sri Lanka during the festival season.
