Kandy Esala Perahera
The Kandy Esala Perahera is one of Sri Lanka’s most revered and vibrant cultural festivals, held annually in Kandy to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. In 2025, the festival will take place from July 30 to August 9.
📅 2025 Festival Schedule
The festival unfolds over ten days, featuring two main phases:
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Kumbal Perahera (Inner Processions):
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July 30 to August 3
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Randoli Perahera (Grand Processions):
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August 4 to August 8
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Final Day Ceremonies:
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August 9: Diya Kapeema (Water Cutting Ceremony) and Dahawal Perahera (Day Procession)
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For detailed dates and events, you can refer to the official schedule provided by the Sri Dalada Maligawa.
🌟 Festival Highlights
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Sacred Tooth Relic Procession: The festival venerates the Sacred Tooth Relic, housed in the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), symbolizing the living presence of the Buddha.
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Cultural Performances: Each evening features a procession with traditional Kandyan dancers, drummers, fire performers, and elaborately adorned elephants.
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Grand Randoli Procession: The most magnificent parade occurs on August 8, showcasing over 100 elephants and a multitude of performers.
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Diya Kapeema: On the final day, a symbolic water-cutting ceremony is performed at the Mahaweli River, followed by a daytime procession.
🎟️ Viewing and Tickets
Given the festival’s popularity, it’s advisable to secure viewing spots in advance. Several platforms offer ticket bookings:
These services provide reserved seating, often at prime locations like the Queens Hotel viewing gallery, ensuring an unobstructed view of the processions.Kandy Esala Perahera
📍 Location
The processions take place in the city of Kandy, with routes encircling the Temple of the Tooth and traversing key streets. The festival is deeply rooted in the city’s heritage, reflecting a blend of Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
For more information, including live streams, photo galleries, and updates, visit the official Kandy Esala Perahera website: kandyesalaperahera.com.