If you want to experience the vibrant cultural traditions of Sri Lanka, the Kandy Esala Perahera is one you shouldn’t miss. A combination of colourful celebration and deep spiritual adoration, this annual procession exemplifies the beauty and charm of the island’s Buddhist culture.
What It Celebrates
The Kandy Perahera is held in honour of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha, which is enshrined at the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, and is held annually during the month of Esala (between July and August). If you’re staying at any of the nearby pool villas in Sri Lanka around that time, it’s an experience of local culture worth being part of.
A Look At the History
The festival’s origins can be traced back to the 4th century CE when the Buddha’s Sacred Tooth Relic was brought to Sri Lanka from India for safekeeping. Considered a symbol of sovereignty, the Relic was honoured with a simple act of veneration which evolved into the grand procession it is today.
What to Expect
The procession lasts for several nights and comprises elaborately dressed dancers and drummers who perform various traditional routines. Elephants are also part of the festivities, dressed in colourful garments, with the Maligawa Tusker carrying the casket that holds the Sacred Tooth Relic. It’s a mesmerising sight for those visiting from nearby resorts like Aarunya Nature Retreat.
Key Ceremonies
- Kumbal Perahera – the first procession
- Randoli Perahera – the most elaborate segment of the Perahera
- Diya Kapeema (Water Cutting Ceremony) – symbolises the purification of the participants
