Kandy (Kandy Esala Perahera)

The Kandy Esala Perahera is an annual event that is held in the mid-summer nights during the months of July / August every year for 10 days ending with the day perahera with the Water-cutting ceremony held at Getembe near Peradeniya on the last day.

This gorgeous cultural pageant has history, religion and a nation’s culture mingled in it. This traditional rehearsal of Kandy’s past glory carries a spiritual message too and it also shows the harmonious blending of Buddhism and Hinduism.

For a long time a traditional procession was held in honour of the four Hindu Gods, Natha, Vishnu, Skanda and Pattini and during the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe

The Procession of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic was also added and prominence was given to it by leading the Devala processions.
This colourful Kandy Perahera consists of a “Kap” Planting Ceremony (planting the holy stick), followed by 5 days of Kumbal Perahera increasing the splendor by changing the distance and routes, increasing the number of Dancers, Drummers, Elephants everyday and succeeded by the Randoli Perahera which will increase its splendor daily and on the last 3 day more than 100 elephants will take part in the procession.

On the last day the Perahera will be held during the Day ending up with the visit to Getembe near Peradeniya where Water Cutting Ceremony will take place.
The chiefs in silver and gold ceremonial dress with world famed Kandyan dancers and drummers are notable attractions. However, the highlight of the procession is the richly caparisoned Maligawa Tusker. During the perahera set against the background of a starry tropic night, the ancient city of Kandy echoes and re-echoes, as it certainly did centuries ago, to the tunes of massed drums and flutes, the cracking of whips and the clang of elephants’ bells while the solemn cheers of worship from the enthusiastic spectators are enchanting indeed.

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