The Kandy esala Perahera in Sri Lanka is the oldest ritual in all of Asia. “Perahera” means procession. The Perahara event which is held every year in Kandy, is one such event where all religions come together to participate. The most important of this Perahera event is the traditional dances of Sri Lanka and beautifully decorated elephants were paraded all along the street and the elephant dances are also seen. This perahara will be held continuously for 10 days. The Kandy Perahera is one of the largest rituals of processing people on the planet, featuring elephants, drummers, monks, dancers, swordsmen, musicians, acrobats, fire-handlers, and whip-crackers clearing the way. It is Buddhism as ancient, exotic, and integrated with local belief as one can find.

Stories behind the Perahera

Two sacred relics, one the living Bodhi Tree and the Tooth Relic, are worshipped as the Living Buddha himself by the people.- The one who holds the tooth is considered as the one who has the power to rule the land.They will show their strength by holding the tooth in olden days things have changed in the present now a big tusker carries the sacred tooth. Kandy Perahera is often known as “Esala Perahera.” Esala is the name of the lunar month corresponding to July-August.

For the first time, the Kelaniya Temple’s tusker ‘Kandula’ which was donated by Thailand more than 20 years ago, was given the honour this week of carrying the casket containing the sacred tooth relic at the Kandy Esala Perahera, considered to be one of Asia’s most spectacular pageants. Kandula was one of the two elephants donated by Thailand. The other elephant Muthuraja who carried the casket previously was taken back to Thailand amidst allegations he was not treated well. The Kandy Esala festival will draw to an end following the water-cutting ceremony at the Mahaweli River in Getambe on August 31. Tourist across the continents come to see the spectacular show along with locals every year.