If you are heading to Sri Lanka looking to experience a unique cultural event, then ensure you plan your visit to coincide with Kandy’s Esala Perahera. More than just a festival, it’s a living tradition that even features magnificently adorned elephants! Here’s more on what you need to know.
A Colourful Cultural Festival
With roots dating back to the 3rd century BCE, the Esala Perahera honours a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, one of Sri Lanka’s most venerated treasures. Originally part of rituals observed by royalty, today, this event is not just a religious ceremony, but a grand showcase that blends tradition and devotion with stunning pageantry, which can be enjoyed by all.
Where and When
The festival takes place in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s scenic hill capital and home of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which is a focal point of the processions. It usually falls in July and/or August, during the lunar month of Esala. The famous processions take place over 10 nights, with each one grander than the last, culminating in one spectacular final night that pulls out all the stops!
Planning Your Visit
This is one event that draws crowds, and since demand is high, book your stay at a luxury hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka, well in advance. Arrive early on the day of the procession to grab a good spot along the planned route, or better yet, reserve seats at a viewing gallery. Hot tip: Stay at a property like Aarunya Nature Resort that’s within easy reach of the city but set amid idyllic beauty, so you can unwind after the festivities too.
What to Expect at the Perahera
The final procession is an unforgettable spectacle, especially since it has elephants adorned in dazzling ceremonial regalia, one of them carrying a replica of the sacred tooth relic. Of course, you can also see traditional Kandyan dancers spinning to rhythmic drums, whip-crackers showcasing their skills and fire breathers lighting up the night. Suffice it to say, you will be left utterly spellbound!
