Experience the Splendour of Dalada Maligawa Perahera in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a land of many wonders, filled with natural beauty and possessing a rich heritage. Travellers seeking historical and cultural experiences will have many sights to see and places to explore on the island. One of these destinations is Kandy, known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Here, you’ll find the iconic Temple of the Tooth Relic. Kandy is home to one of the most vibrant cultural festivals in the world—the Dalada Maligawa Perahera. This grand procession is held every year and is a celebration of age-old customs and traditions held to honour the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Drawing in tourists and locals from across the country, it is a must-see for visitors to Kandy.

The history of the Kandy Esala Perahera spans 1500 years. It is one of the oldest and most renowned Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka. It is thought to have been established by King Kirthi Sri Meghavanna, who wanted to honour the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. After the Tooth Relic was brought to Sri Lanka from India, it became a symbol of kingship. The ancient Sri Lankans believed that whoever possessed the relic had the right to rule the island. Originally, the festival was held to invoke blessings for rain, fertility, and protection. It gradually became the grand Perahera that we see today, having elements of both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

The Kandy Perahera is centred around the Temple of the Tooth, known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, which houses the sacred Tooth Relic. Not only is the temple an important religious site; it is also a symbol of the cultural identity of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The actual Tooth Relic is not on display during the festival. However, a replica is placed in an ornate golden casket, and is paraded through the streets of Kandy for five days on a highly decorated elephant, a practice known as the Randoli Perahera. This grand procession is the highlight of the festival, and draws in thousands of devotees and visitors who arrive to honour the relic.

The Kandy Esala Perahera lasts about ten days, before ending in the grand procession. It is held every year in July or August. This year, the esala perahera dates fell from August 10-20. During this time, the streets of Kandy come alive with a riot of colour and sound. The festival has many different processions, and the most famous of these is the Dalada Maligawa Perahera, followed by processions from the four devales (shrines) dedicated to the guardian deities Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini. Visitors can witness dancers, drummers, musicians, and performers decked out in elaborate costumes. The most popular of these include the traditional Kandyan dancers with their graceful movements, as well as the fire dancers, who add a sense of excitement to the proceedings. Traditional drums, known as hevisi, are played, and the dancers move in rhythm to the beats. The highlight of the perahera are the elephants, adorned in elaborate cloth embroidered with gold, and fitted out with glittering lights. These majestic animals are considered to be symbols of royalty. The lead elephant, or Maligawa Tusker, usually carries the golden casket that contains the Tooth Relic.

For Buddhists, the Kandy Esala Perahera is an expression of their religious identity and devotion. Tourists who visit during the festival will be able to witness one of the best cultural events in Sri Lanka. It is a unique opportunity to experience Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. The combination of religious rituals, performances, and joyous celebrations will leave onlookers with unforgettable memories.

Visitors who arrive in Kandy to see the festival will have a large choice of accommodation. One of the best hotels situated just outside the Kandy town is Jetwing Kandy Gallery, which offers an infinity pool, spa and comfortable rooms facing the Mahaweli river.

Whether you’re a pilgrim or a curious traveller, the Kandy Esala Perahera offers an experience that is culturally enriching for visitors to Sri Lanka.