Esala Perahera lights up Sri Lanka each July or August, culminating in a spectacular 10-day festival. This vibrant celebration honors the Sacred Tooth Relic and guardian deities with grand processions. Join millions in witnessing this ancient cultural spectacle, plan a trip to Kandy, or learn about its rich history.
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History of Esala Perahera
During the reign of King Kirthi Sri Meghwant (305 to 331 A.D.), Prince Dantaha and Princess Hemamala, son-in-law and daughter of King Guhasiva of Kalinga, arrived in Sri Lanka. This is the beginning of the historic Ceylon Esala Perahera. The Esala Perahera, which the succession of kings was expected to attend under King Kirthi Sri Meghwant’s directive that the relic be taken around Anuradhapura once a year, was disrupted by an outside invasion.
Esala Perahera was created thanks to Upali Thera’s efforts. The original purpose of this procession was to commemorate Hindu deities, particularly those that were incorporated into Sri Lankan Buddhism. Upali Thera believed this to be inappropriate in a Buddhist country, and his influence led the king to declare that “From now on, gods and men must follow the Buddha.”
The book by the Chinese pilgrim Fa Hien, who traveled to Sri Lanka in the fifth century A.D., has the best Esala Perehera version of the Buddha’s life story. The sporadic invasions of the Dravidian kingdoms resulted in the kingdom being moved from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa, then to Dambadeniya, and finally to other cities. At each retreat, a new temple was built to keep the relic of the sacred tooth. After shifting the capital to Kandy, the ruins were eventually abandoned. Since that time, the relic of the sacred tooth has been honored annually during the Esala Perahera.
Esala Perahera timeline
A ritual called the Esala Perahera is performed to ask the gods for rain.
The Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha is transported from India to Sri Lanka 800 years after his death.
The book of Chinese pilgrim ‘Fa Hien,’ who traveled to Sri Lanka in the fifth century A.D., contains the most illuminating account of the Esala Perehera.
When the Kandyan kingdom is conquered by the British, the Buddhist clergy is given custody of the Tooth Relic.
Esala Perahera FAQs
When is Esala Perahera?
Esala Perahera 2026 runs from Sunday, August 9, through Wednesday, August 19. This grand festival culminates on the Esala Poya (full moon) day, making it a deeply spiritual and vibrant observance.
What is the significance of the Sacred Tooth Relic?
The Sacred Tooth Relic, housed in the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) in Kandy, is believed to be a tooth of Gautama Buddha. It is considered one of the most sacred relics in the Buddhist world, symbolizing the spiritual authority and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.
How many elephants participate in Esala Perahera?
Each year, the Esala Perahera features a magnificent procession of decorated elephants, often numbering between 50 and 100. The Maligawa Tusker, carrying the Sacred Tooth Relic casket, is the most revered and central figure.
What traditions are part of Esala Perahera?
Esala Perahera is a tapestry of ancient traditions, including fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandyan dances, and various musical performances. The festival is divided into Kumbal Perahera and Randoli Perahera, culminating in a water-cutting ceremony.
Esala Perahera Activities
Attend a procession
Every person is required to take part in the five processions held over 10 days on Esala Perahera. Since they are only held once a year, these processions are extremely significant to Buddhists. Therefore, the vast majority of believers are eagerly anticipating this occurrence.
Participate in the ceremonies
Besides just attending the ceremonies held on Esala Perahera, one must also try to actively take part in these religious activities to get closer to God (in which Buddhists believe). Research ways in which you can participate.
Practice religious activities
In this holy event (for Buddhists), besides participating in the processions, the believers must try to practice religious activities. One should dedicate themselves to the religion during these 10 days because it is human nature for religious practice to induce feelings of peace and fulfillment in the heart.
5 Facts About Esala Perahera Everyone Should Know
The oldest edifice in Kandy
The oldest edifice in Kandy is believed to be the 14th-century shrine that faces the Sri Dalada Maligawa.
The firing of cannonballs
There are four important timings for the firing of cannonballs, which can be heard across Kandy.
The Festival of Tooth
Esala Perahera is also termed the “Festival of Tooth.”
Devale Perahera
The Devale Perahera, which traditionally means to bless the King and his people, is held during the first five days.
The processions in Esala Perahera
The Sri Dalada Maligawa sponsors five processions at Esala Perahera, as well as four shrines honoring Hindu Gods and a Goddess.
Why We Love Esala Perahera
It is a religious event
Since Esala Perahera is one of the largest Buddhist festivals, Buddhist devotees adore it and hold it in the highest regard. Given that it is the longest religious event for the believers, this occasion is extremely significant.
It honors the sacred tooth relic
Esala Perahera is an event in which the sacred tooth relic of Buddha and the four guardians of gods are honored. The believers visit the temple of the tooth (Kandy) for all processions.
We get to visit holy places
During Esala Perahera, believers visit different holy places at different times during the 10 days, across Sri Lanka. Only once a year, the believers get to visit many of the holy places at once and learn about the history of their ancestors.
