Kandy Esala Perahera 2023 Begins in Sri Lanka – Honouring A Sacred Tooth Relic

Amongst the most important cultural festivals in Sri Lanka, the Kandy Esala Perahera 2023 is taking place this month. It is held in honour of a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha with devotees from across this majority Buddhist nation visiting the hill capital, Kandy. Bungalows in and around the city including those on offer by Hanthana Boutique Villa by Amaya provide an ideal base from which travellers can head to key event areas; one can choose from well-placed vantage points to witness the many colourful processions which are an integral part of the Esala Perahera.

This festival takes place in the lunar month of ‘Esala’ according to the traditional Sinhalese calendar and this year, the dates are from 17th August to 31st August. While it begins with various religious observances and activities, the first set of processions known as the Kumbal Perahera will be held over five days from 21st August to 25th August; meanwhile, the five following processions called the Randoli Perahera will be from 26th August to 30th August with the final of these, the Grand Randoli Procession being the most spectacular of the lot. Those planning to witness it can expect to see everything from majestic, caparisoned elephants to all manner of performers including Kandyan drummers and dancers, jugglers, acrobats, whip-crackers, fire-breathers, singers, and musicians.