Kandy Esala Perahera Held As Planned
Spectators Not Permitted This Year
A significant cultural event in Sri Lanka, the annual Esala Perahera in Kandy took place as planned, though without spectators due to health concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Generally, the event draws in large crowds of both locals and foreigners who travel to Kandy to witness the many processions that make up this 10-day festival. Featured on specialist local travel sites such as Kandy Escapes, the Esala Perahera pays homage to a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha which is housed in the city’s Temple of the Tooth.
The festival began with what is known as the Kumbal Perahera with processions taking place from 25th to 29th July; this was followed by the Randoli Perahera from 30th July to 3rd August with the last day featuring the grandest procession of all. On 4th August, the final day of the Kandy Esala Perahera, a special water cutting ceremony was held with a limited amount of people allowed to attend.