Esala Perahera

The Esala Perahera is an annual Buddhist festival held in Kandy, Sri Lanka, typically in July or August, to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. It features a grand procession with elaborately decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and ornate lanterns. The festival symbolizes the Buddha’s teachings and Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, blending religious devotion with vibrant celebrations. The procession moves through the streets, showcasing pageantry designed to invoke blessings, promote unity, and preserve ancient traditions that have been part of Sri Lankan life for centuries.