Esala Perahera is a grand cultural and religious festival that takes place annually in the city of Kandy in Sri Lanka, usually in the month of August. It is considered one of the most important and vibrant cultural festivals in Sri Lanka, and is known for its impressive parades of elephants, dancers, drummers, and other performers.
The festival has a long history and dates back to the 3rd century BC when Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka. The festival is held to honor the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which is kept in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.
The festival lasts for ten days and features a variety of cultural and religious activities, including traditional dance performances, fire walking, drumming competitions, and processions of decorated elephants. The highlight of the festival is the Kumbal Perahera, which takes place over five nights and features a grand parade of elephants, dancers, drummers, and other performers, all dressed in colorful traditional costumes.
The final night of the festival, known as Randoli Perahera, is the most spectacular and draws thousands of visitors from around the world. The procession is led by the most magnificently decorated elephant carrying the Tooth Relic casket, followed by other elephants, dancers, musicians, and fire performers. The parade moves through the streets of Kandy and is accompanied by a cacophony of drumming, chanting, and firecrackers.
Esala Perahera is not only a significant religious festival but also a celebration of Sri Lankan culture and heritage. It is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to witness the vibrant cultural traditions of Sri Lanka and experience the country’s rich history and traditions.