• Esala Perahera Festival - The Esala Perahera in Kandy is among the most ancient and magnificent Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, showcasing dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire-breathers, and many others. It takes place in Esala (July or August), the month believed to mark the Buddha’s first teaching after enlightenment. The Kandy Esala Perahera spans ten days, with a variety of festivities occurring throughout. The Sinhalese word ‘Perahera’ refers to a procession of musicians, dancers, singers, acrobats, and various other performers.

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• Private seat to view Kandy Esala Perahara

On the sixth evening, the Kumbal Perahera commences and runs for five days. Initially, the Devale Perahera gathers in front of the Temple of the Tooth. The emblems placed on the ransivige (a dome-like structure) are accompanied by the Basnayake Nilames (the lay custodians of the Devales). Drummers and dancers are present in all these Peraheras.

For the subsequent five nights, the “Devale Peraheras” occur within the premises of the four Devales, with the priest of each Devale leading the procession every evening, accompanied by music and drumming, flag and canopy bearers, spearmen, and the Ran Ayudha, the sacred insignia of the Gods.

The following significant times are announced by the firing of cannonballs, which can be heard throughout Kandy:

• The start of the Devale Perahera
• The start of the Dalada Maligawa Perahera
• The conclusion of the Perahera

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.