The annual Kandy Esala Perahera Festival, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered cultural and religious celebrations, will commence today (July 18) with the traditional Kap Situweema ceremony at the four main devalayas—Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini—at 6:05 a.m.
Following five days of Devale Peraheras (in-house processions), the first Kumbal Perahera will take to the streets on July 30.
The Kumbal Perahera will be held nightly from July 30 to August 3, followed by the more elaborate Randoli Perahera, which will begin on August 4.
The final grand Randoli Perahera is scheduled for August 8. At its conclusion, the processions from the four devalayas will proceed to Getambe for the traditional Diya Kapeema (water-cutting ceremony).
The festival will officially conclude on August 9 with the Day Perahera, which follows the water-cutting ritual, according to Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela.
The Esala Perahera is held annually in honour of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha and showcases Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage through majestic processions featuring elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and torchbearers.
