Kandy Esala Perahera

The Kandy Esala Perahera also known as The Festival of the Tooth held in Kandy, Sri Lanka. This historical procession is held annually to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. A unique symbol of Sri Lanka, the procession consists of traditional local dances such as fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandyan dances, and various other cultural dances, in addition to the elephants who are usually adorned with lavish garments. The Kandy Esala Perahera lasts for ten days while various festivities can be witnessed right throughout. The Esala Perahera in Kandy is celebrated to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic and the four ‘guardian’ Gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Goddess Pattini. The festival ends with the traditional Diya-kepeema ritual, a water cutting ceremony which is held at the Mahaweli River at Getambe, Kandy.

The first procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic stars with the Kumbal Perhara. It is a tradition that the procession parades the streets of Kandy for five days. Randoli Perahera begins after five nights of the Kumbal Perahera. Randoli refers to palanquins on which the Queens of the ruling Kings traditionally traveled. It is the grandest event of the festival. The Tuskers come with garlands and decorated with ceremonial costumes.

Kandy Esala Perahera 2021 will begin on Saturday, August 14th and ends on Saturday, August 26th 
Dates may vary.

Reference - Wikipedia, Sri Dalada Maligawa, Esala Perahara, Kandy