What is the Kandy Esala Perahera?
The Kandy Esala Perahera, held annually in July or August, traces its origins to the 3rd century BCE as a ritual to invoke rainfall for bountiful harvests. It evolved in the 4th century CE with the arrival of Lord Buddha’s Sacred Tooth Relic, brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha.
Housed in the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) in Kandy, the relic became the heart of the festival. Formalized during the Kandyan Kingdom under King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747–1781), the procession allowed public veneration of the relic, blending ancient Sinhala traditions with Buddhist reverence.
What Makes It Special
The Kandy Esala Perahera is a mesmerizing spectacle, unfolding over ten nights with increasing grandeur. Key highlights include
- Majestic Processions: Ornately decorated elephants, led by the Maligawa Tusker carrying the Sacred Tooth Relic’s casket, parade through Kandy’s streets.
- Cultural Performances: Fire dancers, whip-crackers, and Kandyan dancers in vibrant costumes create a rhythmic, visual feast.
- Ritual Significance: The festival culminates in the Diya Kepeema, a water-cutting ceremony at the Mahaweli River, symbolizing purification and renewal. Its blend of spirituality, tradition, and pageantry makes it one of Asia’s most iconic festivals, offering an unforgettable journey into Sri Lanka’s heart
Kandy Esala Perahera 2025 Full Schedule
| EVENT | DATE |
|---|---|
| 1st Kumbal Perahera | 30th July 2025 |
| 2nd Kumbal Perahera | 31st July 2025 |
| 03rd Kumbal Perahera | 01st August 2025 |
| 04th Kumbal Perahera | 02nd August 2025 |
| 05th Kumbal Perahera | 03rd August 2025 |
| 01st Randoli Perahera | 04th August 2025 |
| 02nd Randoli Perahera | 05th August 2025 |
| 03rd Randoli Perahera | 06th August 2025 |
| 04th Randoli Perahera | 07th August 2025 |
| Final Randoli Perahera (The Grand Randoli Procession) | 08th August 2025 |
| Diya Kapeema (The water cutting ceremony) | 09th August 2025 |
| Dahawal Perahera (The Day Procession) | 09th August 2025 |
Looking for Esala Perahera 2025 tickets?
We’ve got you covered! We offer exclusive Perahera front-row tickets, comfortable seating, and custom tour packages to make your experience truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, we’ll handle everything — transport, accommodation, and viewing spots.
Why Your Seat Matters More Than You Think
In a festival as grand and spiritually significant as the Kandy Esala Perahera, your viewing spot makes all the difference between witnessing history and being lost in the crowd.
Front-row Advantage
Be more than a spectator—be immersed. A seat near the procession brings you eye-to-eye with the grandeur of elephants, the rhythm of drummers, and the grace of dancers.
No Missed Moments
While standing crowds stretch for miles, your reserved seat guarantees you won’t miss a single sacred step, fire twirl, or cultural beat.
Comfort and Clarity
Avoid the rush, stress, and standing for hours. Enjoy a relaxed, respectful, and focused experience with uninterrupted views.
Capturing Memories
Whether for photography, videography, or your own memory, your seat gives you the perfect frame every time—free of poles, heads, or movement.
