The Kandy Esala Perahera, also known as the Festival of the Tooth, is one of the greatest Buddhist holidays in the country, celebrated with elegant costumes. According to the Hindu calendar, a historical procession to pay respect to the Sacred Tooth Relic is held annually in July or August on the Full Moon Poya Day. The festival is all about the local food, decorated elephants, and traditional shows, like fire and whip dances.
Kandy Esala Perahera Traditions and Meaning
The Esala celebrations typically end with a water-cutting ceremony (also called the diya-kepeema ritual), where people literary cut the water to pray for good harvests. Locals believe that the water collected at the diya kaepima is sacred and can get rid of evil. Therefore, they will often collect this water at one spot or sprinkle themselves with it.
Kumbal Procession
The first procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic begins with the Kumbal Perahera and lasts five days. It is shown to babies to ward off evil spells.
Randol Procession
The Sacred Tooth Relic procession spans five days, representing a longstanding tradition. In ancient times, the Kings' Chief Queens would join this procession in palanquins. However, their participation was deemed inappropriate for a procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic, so it ceased. Instead, a palanquin is now included in the procession as a tribute to the Queen, typically as its final element.
The Great Randoli Procession
The Maha Randoli Perahaera is the last procession and the grandest event of the festival, which includes a lot of fancy costumes and loud traditions.
The Kandy Esala Perahera claims to be the most splendid visual celebration in Sri Lanka. Its festivities continue for ten days, so don't rush and save at least three days to savor the cultural rituals and explore the World Heritage-listed Kandy.
Tips
Note that the festival gets more vibrant and crowded with each day. To get a good viewing spot, you'll have to arrive at least 3-4 hours before the start. Also, if you wish to enter the temples, remember to cover up—you won't be able to go in with your shoulders, waist, or knees exposed. Bringing a sarong or scarf is an excellent solution.
