The Esala Perahera is a traditional festival held in Kandy, Sri Lanka, that has been celebrated for centuries. It is a grand and spectacular event that brings together the local community and visitors from around the world. The purpose of the celebration is to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha and the four “guardian” gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini. The Tooth Relic is considered a highly revered artifact in Buddhism and is believed to have been brought to Sri Lanka over 800 years after the Maha Parinirwanaya of Buddha. The Esala Perahera is a time for devotion, prayers and offerings, and is a highlight of the cultural calendar in Sri Lanka.
The Esala Perahera is a major Buddhist celebration that takes place in Kandy, Sri Lanka. This 10-day torchlight parade features a mesmerizing display of dancers, drummers, dignitaries, and beautifully adorned elephants, all in honor of the Sacred Tooth Relic. With its grand scale and cultural significance, the Esala Perahera is widely considered one of the most renowned festivals in Asia and perhaps even the largest Buddhist celebration globally.
The Esala Perahera is celebrated in Kandy, Sri Lanka, during the months of July and August. It is also known as The Festival of the Tooth or the Sri Dalada Perahara procession of Kandy.
Esala Perahera was started in 1775 A.D. during the reign of King Kirthisri Rajasinghe in Sri Lanka. The event as it is celebrated today involves four Hindu Dewale Peraheras, which are religious and cultural processions that honor the gods.
This information is subject to change and may not be accurate for the current year’s perahera. However, traditionally, the Kandy Esala Perahera features over 50 elephants and tuskers, along with hundreds of drummers, dancers, singers, elegantly dressed pilgrims and spectators.
The story behind the Kandy Perahera is rooted in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It all began when the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was brought to the island from India over 800 years after his Maha Parinirwanaya. The relic was housed in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and became a symbol of sovereignty for the Kandyan kingdom. The annual Esala Perahera is a procession that celebrates this revered relic and is held to ask the gods for rain. The event is a display of the rich cultural heritage of the Kandyan people, featuring elephants, drummers, dancers, and singers, who participate in a 10-day torchlight parade.
For watching the Kandy Perahera, it is recommended to wear light, comfortable, and modest clothing as the event typically takes place in the evening and can be quite warm. Clothing should also be respectful of the religious significance of the event. It is advisable to dress modestly and avoid wearing clothing that is too revealing or casual. Women are advised to wear dresses or skirts with long sleeves and a head covering, while men can wear long pants and a shirt with sleeves. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended as the processions can last several hours.
For watching the Kandy Perahera, it is recommended to wear light, comfortable, and modest clothing as the event typically takes place in the evening and can be quite warm. Clothing should also be respectful of the religious significance of the event. It is advisable to dress modestly and avoid wearing clothing that is too revealing or casual. Women are advised to wear dresses or skirts with long sleeves and a head covering, while men can wear long pants and a shirt with sleeves. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended as the processions can last several hours.
The large-scale and historic nature of the Kandy Esala Perahera attracts a large number of spectators, both local and international, making security a concern for the Sri Lankan authorities. This is why there is a significant deployment of army and police personnel during the event to ensure the safety and security of all participants and attendees.
It is recommended to take precautions while attending the Perahera such as wearing comfortable clothing and footwear, staying hydrated, using sunblock, avoiding carrying large bags, following the instructions of security personnel, and being mindful of the surroundings. Additionally, it is advisable to take note of the emergency exits, first aid facilities and keep a contact of emergency services.
Yes, it’s important to be aware of pickpockets and scammers while attending any large public event like the Perahera. It’s recommended to keep a close eye on personal belongings and to exercise caution with unfamiliar individuals.
Mojority of local people in Kandy during the Perahera festival are hospitable and welcoming to visitors. However, as with any large gathering of people, it is always a good idea to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
