{"id":260725,"date":"2023-03-23T14:27:54","date_gmt":"2021-11-22T09:55:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/?p=260725"},"modified":"2025-02-28T12:32:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T07:02:06","slug":"esala-perahera","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/esala-perahera\/","title":{"rendered":"Esala Perahera 2026: All You Need To Know About Kandy\u2019s Most Popular Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"

The land of Sri Lanka is home to many mind-boggling attractions. But irrespective of how fascinating they are, at one point or another, some of us may have felt that touring only them would add to a clich\u00e9 trip experience. So, if you\u2019re one of those who still yearn to see a lesser-seen side of Sri Lanka on your vacation, we suggest you put the popular Esala Perahera Festival<\/strong> on your itinerary. Even though it\u2019s one of the oldest festivals in Kandy, not many tourists know about it, which means you\u2019re in for a surprise and a totally unique experience!<\/em><\/p>\n

About Esala Perahera<\/h2>\n
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One of the oldest and biggest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, Esala Perahera is a treat to watch. This historic celebration is held annually to venerate the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha which is rested in Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. During every Esala (July or August), processions take to streets at night for 10 days. The Sinhalese term Perahera literally means a parade of musicians, dancers, drummers, and other performers. So, as part of the parade, well-dressed elephants and tuskers walk along the routes with the tooth relic in a casket. The whole festival comes to an end with a water cutting ceremony at the Mahaweli River in Kandy.<\/p>\n

Must Read:<\/strong> 10 Kandy Hotels For An Invigorating Stay Amid Hills<\/a><\/p>\n

Esala Perahera Dates<\/h2>\n

The Esala Perahera Fest in Kandy is celebrated every year in July or August. This year, the tentative dates for the 10-day festival are 14th August to 24th August.<\/p>\n

Esala Perahera Entry Ticket<\/h2>\n

Like most festivals, there is no entry ticket for attending the Kandy Esala Perahera or being a part of the procession. You can heartily walk out and join the hundreds of locals and devotees who walk around in parades at nights during the fest. However, if you wish to witness the festivity from a balcony above, a seat would cost you around INR 1,500 to INR 4,000 depending on the night and the demand.<\/p>\n

The Processions<\/h2>\n
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Most of the processions start with a bang and end with a whipping cannon shot in the air. Some of the peraheras also unite during the 10 days at some point. Here are the major processions that bring the festival to life.<\/p>\n