Festivals · Kandy
Esala Perahera: Kandy’s Grand Night Parade
By Days of Iru and Opa
The Esala Perahera is Kandy’s, and arguably Sri Lanka’s, most spectacular festival, a nightly procession honouring the sacred Tooth Relic that grows in scale over about ten nights.
What you’ll see
Lavishly dressed elephants, whip-crackers, fire performers, Kandyan dancers and lines of drummers fill the streets, building to the grand finale nights.
When
It usually takes place in July or August, timed to the Esala full moon. Exact dates change each year with the lunar calendar.
Seeing it
Roadside spots are free but fill hours ahead; paid seating on balconies and stands is worth it for the big nights. Arrive early and be patient.
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