The Kandy Esala Perahera is an annual event that takes place in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. The festival is held over a period of 10 days in the month of Esala, which falls in July or August. The main event of the festival is a grand procession that takes place each evening, and features a series of rituals, ceremonies, and cultural performances.

The procession is led by a group of elaborately decorated elephants, which are accompanied by drummers, dancers, and other performers. The elephants are adorned with colorful robes and headdresses, and are accompanied by traditional music and dancing. Other highlights of the procession include fire-dancers, acrobats, and musicians.

History of the Kandy Perahera

The Kandy Perahera, also known as the Esala Perahera, is a traditional Buddhist festival held in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is one of the country's most important festivals, and it is held annually in the months of July and August. The Kandy Perahera is a colorful and elaborate procession that involves elephants, dancers, drummers, and other performers, and it is held to honor the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which is housed in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.

The history of the Kandy Perahera can be traced back to the 4th century BC, when the Tooth Relic of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka from India. According to legend, the relic was brought to the island by Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha, who smuggled it out of India in order to protect it from being destroyed by King Asoka. The relic was eventually enshrined in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, and it has been an important site of Buddhist worship ever since.

The Kandy Perahera has been held annually for over 2000 years, and it has evolved over time to become the elaborate and spectacular event that it is today. The festival is an important part of the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, and it attracts many visitors from around the world each year.

In addition to the evening proces0sion, the Kandy Esala Perahera also includes a series of religious ceremonies and rituals that are held at the Temple of the Tooth, which is located in the center of the city. The temple is home to the Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which is considered a sacred object by Buddhists. The festival is an important religious event, and is attended by thousands of people each year.

The Kandy Esala Perahera is an important cultural event in Sri Lanka, and is a major tourist attraction. It is a unique and colorful celebration that provides a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage.

Randoli Perahera 

The Randoli Perahera is a traditional Buddhist procession that is held annually in Sri Lanka. It is similar to the Perahera of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is also held in Sri Lanka. The Randoli Perahera features a number of decorated elephants, as well as dancers, musicians, and other performers. It is a colorful and festive event that is held to honor the Buddha and pay respects to the teachings of Buddhism. The Randoli Perahera is an important cultural event in Sri Lanka and is attended by many people from around the country and the world.

Kumbal Perahera

The Kumbal Perahera is a traditional Buddhist festival held in Sri Lanka. It is also known as the "Esala Perahera," and it is one of the country's most important festivals. The Kumbal Perahera is held in the months of July and August in the city of Kandy. It is a colorful and elaborate procession that involves elephants, dancers, drummers, and other performers. The Kumbal Perahera is held to honor the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which is housed in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. The relic is believed to have the power to bring blessings and good fortune to those who venerate it. The festival is also an opportunity for Buddhists to reaffirm their faith and make offerings to the temple.

Devale Perahera

The Devale Perahera is a traditional Buddhist festival held in Sri Lanka. It is also known as the "Dalada Perahera," and it is one of the country's most important festivals. The Devale Perahera is held in the city of Kandy, and it is a colorful and elaborate procession that involves elephants, dancers, drummers, and other performers. The Devale Perahera is held to honor the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which is housed in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. The relic is believed to have the power to bring blessings and good fortune to those who venerate it. The festival is also an opportunity for Buddhists to reaffirm their faith and make offerings to the temple. The Devale Perahera is typically held in the months of July and August, and it is a major event in the cultural calendar of Sri Lanka.

Four Devales

The Four Devales are four temples in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, that are dedicated to the four guardian deities of the city. These deities are known as the Natha Devale, the Vishnu Devale, the Kataragama Devale, and the Pattini Devale. Each Devale is associated with a particular deity, and each one has its own set of rituals and ceremonies. The Devales are important places of worship for Buddhists in Kandy, and they are also a major part of the city's cultural heritage. The Four Devales are located in close proximity to each other and are an important part of the Kandy Esala Perahera, a traditional Buddhist festival held in the city each year.