Kandy perahera/ Esala perahera is one of unique symbols in Sri Lanka. It is a grand Buddhist festival of the month of August held in Sri Lanka with elegant costumes. Dalada perahara held yearly since the 3rd Century B.C. Center of it all is the ‘Dalada Maligawa’ which houses the relic of the sacred tooth of the Lord Buddha. During the Perahera, the sacred tooth relic is carried around the streets of Kandy city by nicely decorated elephants to honor it. They are adorned with lavish garments. The Esala perahera is cultured by various cultural dances like fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian dances and etc. Diyawadana Nilame has the responsibility of organizing the perahera and it is held on dates selected by him.

Hours before the Maha Randoli Perahera, almost all the road sides, balconies, roof tops, upstairs windows and even roofs are jam-packed with spectators, both local and foreign. Kandy Perahera starting time is normally after the sunset, at around 6.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. in the evening. Queens Hotel, Dalada Veediya, Yatinuwara Veediya some of the best places for you to watch the Esala Perahera. This Kandy perahera festival is consist of a series of processions.

Beginning of the perahera

Kandy perahera begins with Kappa, in which a sanctified young Jackfruit tree is cut and planted in the premises of each of the four Devales. During the next five days, there are “Devala Peraheras” within the Devale premises.

Kumbal Perahera

After the Devala Peraharas, on the sixth night the Kumbal Perahera begins and continues on for five days. It is joined by the other four devale peraheras.

Randoli Perahera

After the 5 nights of Kumbal Peraheras, the Randoli Peraheras begin and continue for 5 nights. During the Maha Randoli Perahera, the sacred tooth relic is carried on a well-trained tusker elephant and both the elephant and casket in which the tooth is laid are splendidly decorated. Diyawadana Nilame also joins the pageant adding novel glamour to it.

Esala Perahera, only perahera in the world which is held for ten days.

Vesak festival is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha in his eightieth year passed away.

The teachings of the Buddha, and his message of compassion and peace and goodwill have moved millions. Millions around the world follow the teachings of the Buddha and on the Day of Vesak commemorate the birth, the attainment of enlightenment and the passing away of the Buddha.

Vesak is considered as both a religious and cultural festival in Sri Lanka. Many temples get filled with devotees and pilgrims all over the country to mark this great event. In temples Buddhists worship, offer flowers, light lamps, and burn incense. These traditional observances, in essence, have their value in satisfying the religious and emotional needs of the people. Buddhists generally wear a white dress and go to the temple and participate in the traditional ceremonies. Many of them spend the whole day in the temple and reaffirm their determination to follow the teachings of Buddha. On this holy day the ‘Dana’ (alms giving) plays an important role. This is a sign of sharing joy and peace with people. During the Vesak Festival week, the selling of alcohol and flesh is usually prohibited, with abattoirs also being closed.