Kandy Esala Perahera - The feast of Sri Dalada Maligawa - The great procession in Kandy, Sri Lanka

 

Kandy Esala Perahera



Kandy Esala Perahera, also known as the Kandy Perahara, is a grand annual cultural and religious procession held in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the most famous and colorful festivals in the country. The term "Perahera" translates to "procession" in Sinhala, the local language of Sri Lanka.

 

The Esala Perahera usually takes place in the month of Esala (July or August) and lasts for about ten days. The exact dates can vary each year, depending on the lunar calendar.

 

The main focus of the Kandy Esala Perahera is to pay homage to the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, which is enshrined at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy. The tooth relic is believed to have been brought to Sri Lanka during the 4th century AD and has since been regarded as a symbol of protection and prosperity for the country.

 

The Perahera features various traditional dancers, drummers, fire performers, and elaborately adorned elephants. The procession is led by the majestic Maligawa Tusker, a specially chosen and beautifully decorated elephant, who carries a replica of the sacred tooth relic in a magnificent casket. The tusker is followed by a parade of hundreds of other elephants, each dressed in vibrant colors and ornate garments.

 

Devotees and tourists from around the world gather to witness this grand spectacle and participate in the religious and cultural festivities. The event is not only a religious celebration but also a showcase of Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and traditional arts.

 

During the Esala Perahera, Kandy transforms into a vibrant and bustling city with thousands of people lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the majestic procession. The festival also includes various traditional performances, music, and cultural events, making it a unique and memorable experience for all attendees.



The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a highly revered Buddhist temple located in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most significant religious and cultural sites in the country and houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, which is believed to be the left upper canine tooth of Gautama Buddha.

 

The tooth relic is considered one of the most sacred and important relics in Buddhism and holds great significance to the people of Sri Lanka. It is believed that whoever holds possession of the sacred tooth relic holds the power and authority to govern the country. Due to this belief, many ancient kings of Sri Lanka built temples and palaces to house the relic and protect it from harm.

 

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is located in the heart of Kandy, near the picturesque Kandy Lake. The temple complex is an architectural marvel with intricate designs, beautiful artwork, and lush gardens. It is not only a religious center but also a historical and cultural monument that attracts thousands of visitors and devotees from all over the world.

 

Inside the temple, the sacred tooth relic is kept in a series of nested golden caskets, which are enshrined in a specially designed chamber called the "Handun Kunama." The chamber is situated within the main shrine, and it is highly venerated by Buddhists who come to offer their prayers and pay their respects.

 

The temple is also home to various artifacts, ancient scriptures, and religious objects related to Buddhism and Sri Lanka's history. The tooth relic is rarely displayed to the public, but during special religious festivals like the Kandy Esala Perahera, a replica of the tooth relic is paraded through the city for the public to see and venerate.

 

Visitors to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic can explore the temple complex, witness daily religious ceremonies, and experience the serene and spiritual atmosphere. It's a place of devotion, tranquility, and cultural heritage that offers a unique insight into Sri Lanka's religious and historical traditions.

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