This article is about a cultural festival held every August at the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, which is of Buddhist religious and cultural importance. Let us explain this under several topics.
1. First of all, Introduction – What is the Kandy Esala Perahera?
The Kandy Esala Perahera is a very important Buddhist and cultural festival held annually in Sri Lanka. This sacred perahera, which takes place in the historic city of Kandy and its streets, is a special occasion that shows the religious devotion of Sri Lankan Buddhists, the ancient traditions of Sri Lanka and the cultural heritage of the Kandyans to the world. The Temple of the Tooth Relic, where the Sri Dalada Maligawa is housed, is the main religious center of this festival. This is a festival where the casket containing the tooth relic of the Buddha is displayed to the public. This is called the Perahera. On the nights when the Perahera is held, the city of Kandy is decorated with beautifully decorated lights, the sound of traditional drums, mountain dances, colorful costumes and beautifully decorated elephants. Therefore, the Kandy Esala Perahera is not just a perahera to watch, but a sacred festival that brings together religion, devotion, history and Sri Lankan culture. This can also be called a festival that every Buddhist living in the world wants to see.
2. History of the Esala Perahera
The Kandy Esala Perahera has a long history, and has been held since ancient times to seek blessings for the country and for religious ceremonies. This tells us about the power of our Lord Buddha and the power of the Dharma. Later, after the arrival of the Sri Dalada (Tooth
relic ) in Kandy, this tradition became closely associated with the Temple of the Tooth. Over time, the mountain dances, drumming, elephants and various traditional elements have been
added to develop into the beautiful and sacred Kandy Esala Perahera that we see today.
3. Let us now talk about what this sacred tooth relic and the Temple of the Tooth are
The Sri Dalada Thero is a sacred relic that Buddhists respect as the left tooth relic of the Lord
Buddha. That tooth relic is enshrined in a very valuable stupa made of gold. The Sri Dalada Thero is the place where that tooth relic is respectfully enshrined, and we call it the Temple of the Tooth. The Tooth Relic is a very sacred object for Buddhists in Sri Lanka, and local and foreign devotees come to Kandy to worship it. The Kandy Esala Perahera is considered a
sacred tradition to pay respect to the Tooth Relic and receive blessings. There are many miracles here. If someone worships the Buddha with faith, the merit that he receives is immense.
4. Why is this procession important to Buddhists and spectators?
The Kandy Esala Perahera is not just a beautiful parade or entertainment. It is a sacred religious and cultural tradition held to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic, seek blessings and express Buddhist devotion. It has deep religious significance for Buddhists, and is a unique opportunity for spectators to witness Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist culture, traditions and artistic heritage up close.
5. From the beginning to the end of the procession
The Kandy Esala Perahera begins with the whip-bearers leading the procession. They traditionally beat the whips. This is followed by officials, flag bearers, traditional drummers and Kandyan dancers. Their drumming and dancing add a special festive touch to the procession. This is followed by various traditional groups, dancers dressed in beautiful costumes and various artists. Their colorful costumes, dance and music add to the beauty of the procession. Elephants in particular have a very important place in the procession.Elephants are dressed in special traditional costumes and decorations and are taken to the procession. Special costumes and covers are prepared for these elephants and they are decorated with great
respect. Tusk elephants in the procession are given special respect. Such elephants are sometimes called “Royal Family Elephants” among us because of the special respect and value they have. Carrying the casket of the Sri Dalada Thera on a specially selected and qualified tusked elephant is one of the most sacred and honorable occasions in the procession.
The elephant carrying the casket of the Sri Dalada Thera is given special training, care and respect, and only a suitable elephant is selected for that sacred responsibility. This event is watched with great devotion and respect by Buddhist devotees. All these groups, dances, drumming, traditional costumes and beautiful elephants come together to make the Kandy Esala Perahera a magnificent sacred procession that showcases
Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist and cultural heritage.
6. Month, Dates and Visitor Experience
The Kandy Esala Perahera is held every year in August. It is not a one-day event, but a series of sacred peraheras that last for 10 days. The Randoli Perahera, which takes place on the last night, is particularly beautiful and large, and thousands of devotees, as well as local and foreign visitors, come to Kandy to watch it.
The perahera usually takes place at night, starting at around 7:00 PM and continuing until around 9:00–10:00 PM. Since the final perahera is long and special, it can last until around 12:00 AM. Watching the perahera is an unforgettable experience for visitors. The sound of traditional drums echoing throughout the streets of Kandy at night, the dance of upland dancers, the colorful costumes and the beautifully decorated elephants that especially attract tourists create a special festival atmosphere throughout Kandy. This is a sacred occasion for Buddhist devotees to worship the Sacred Tooth Relic with devotion and respect. It is a unique opportunity for foreign visitors to experience Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist culture, traditions and artistic heritage up close, and the Kandy Esala Perahera becomes an unforgettable experience on their Sri Lankan tour.
7. Elephant Hall of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy
The Elephant Hall of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy is a special place where the elephants of the Dalada Maligawa are cared for. The elephants here contribute to various religious and cultural activities of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, and they have a very important place, especially during the Kandy Esala Perahera. Qualified elephants and elephants from these elephant halls are taken to participate in the Perahera. They are kept under special training and care, and are given the necessary habits and discipline to move in the Perahera. Elephants with tusks in particular are held in great esteem, and suitable elephants from among them contribute to the sacred task of carrying the casket of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Therefore, the elephants in the elephant enclosure of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy can be considered a special asset associated with the religious and cultural heritage of the Temple of the Tooth Relic
8. How can tourists watch the procession?
Both local and foreign tourists have the opportunity to watch the Kandy Esala Perahera. Since the perahera moves along the main streets of Kandy city, it can be viewed from various locations. However, it is very important to reserve a suitable place in advance as a large crowd comes to watch the final perahera, especially the Randoli perahera. It is best to reserve special perahera seats to comfortably and clearly view the beautiful dances, traditional drumming, colorful costumes and beautifully decorated elephants of the perahera. Especially for foreign tourists, reserving seats in advance can avoid last-minute inconveniences.
We can arrange and reserve special seats for tourists visiting through Chathu Lanka Tours in advance. This will give you the opportunity to experience the sacredness, colorfulness and grandeur of the Kandy Esala Perahera in comfort. Make the Kandy Esala Perahera an unforgettable experience of your trip to Sri Lanka. Join us to plan your parade experience in advance and watch it in comfort with Chathu LankaTours.
