Every year, the city of Kandy in Sri Lanka comes alive with the vibrant and colorful celebration of the Kandy Esala Perahera. This 10-day festival is a grand display of Sri Lankan culture and tradition, and attracts thousands of locals and tourists alike.
The Kandy Esala Perahera, which translates to “the procession of the tooth relic,” is a celebration of the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, which is enshrined in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. The festival is a tribute to the tooth relic, and is considered one of the most important events in the Sri Lankan Buddhist calendar.
The festival begins with the planting of a sanctified tree, followed by a series of rituals and ceremonies. The highlight of the festival is the grand procession, which takes place on the final night of the festival. The procession is a spectacular display of dancers, musicians, drummers, and elephants, all adorned in bright and colorful costumes.
The procession is led by a majestic elephant carrying the casket that contains the sacred tooth relic. The elephant is followed by a series of other elephants, each carrying a ceremonial item. The procession also features dancers and drummers, who perform traditional Sri Lankan dances and music.
The festival is a time of great excitement and joy for the people of Kandy, and is a major tourist attraction for visitors to Sri Lanka. The festival provides an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, and witness the grandeur and majesty of the Kandy Esala Perahera.
The Kandy Esala Perahera is a celebration of the deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions of Sri Lanka. It is a tribute to the rich history of the island, and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting the country’s cultural heritage.
: රතු ගල්කූර