Everything You Need To Know About Kandy Perahera 2025

In the center of Sri Lanka, a city named as Kandy is the main attraction for foreign tourists. It has exceptionally sacred buddhist sites particularly Temple of the Tooth Shrine which is celebrated every year with an event called Kandy Perahera or Grand Esala Perahera Procession. So, if you are planning to visit Sri Lanka in August, here is the list of events to attend and dates to mark on your calendar.

Events to look for Kandy Perahera 2025

• 1st Kumbal Perahera – 30th July 2025
• 2nd Kumbal Perahera – 31st July 2025
• 3rd Kumbal Perahera – 1st August 2025
• 4th Kumbal Perahera – 2nd August 2025
• 5th Kumbal Perahera – 3rd August 2025
• 1st Randoli Perahera – 4th August 2025
• 2nd Randoli Perahera – 5th August 2025
• 3rd Randoli Perahera – 6th August 2025
• 4th Randoli Perahera – 7th August 2025
• Grand Randoli Perahera – 8th August 2025
• Diva Kapeema – 9th August 2025
• Dahawal Perahera – 9th August 2025

Historical Significance of Elephants in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, elephants have held a special position since ancient times. They are identified as a natural treasure. They were used to pull chariots, theras, soldiers, and build the Hatthalhaka-Vihara monastery for bhikkhunis.  Kandula, a famous elephant, was gifted to an infant prince many years ago. According to Sri Lankan war history, this Kandula elephant showed commendable strength, bravery and he was very loyal to the prince who became king later. Later, it became a custom to use elephants for the festival of enshrining relics in Ruvanveliseya at Anuradhapura. Between the 4th to 16th century, many well known Kings of Sri Lanka donated elephants to different temples for religious festival celebrations including Temple of the Tooth Relic, Temple of the Tooth and Temple of Bowl Relics. Since the Kandy Esala Perahera’s founding to this time, elephants have been used to serve religious purposes.

Relationship between Elephants and Kandy Perahera

Elephants in Sri Lanka can be found all the way from sea level to their highest mountain ranges. Within national parks, visitors can enjoy observing elephants and taking pictures with them. In some locations, locals have arranged elephant-back safaris where you can ride elephants. As you might have heard or read, elephants are most commonly, yet importantly, used in Kandy Perahera every year. During the third event of perahera, you will see  the elephant bearing a Buddhist flag on its back, indicating that the perahera is primarily a Buddhist festival.

Understanding Kandy Esala Perahera

During the Kandy festival, one of the inner caskets containing the Buddha’s tooth relic is carried across the city on a royal elephant. A large number of visitors from all over the world come to attend this festival. Local people of Sri Lanka perform Kandy Dance at Kandyan Cultural Centre. It is a Sri Lankan performing arts theater that has hosted numerous outstanding performances of the Kandy. The various forms of traditional dance practiced in the nation are displayed in this dance performance. The city is thriving in the sports industry, turning out well-known athletes in a number of sports, including rugby, cricket, and many more. However, rugby is the most popular sport in the area.

One of the biggest and oldest Buddhist celebrations in Sri Lanka is the Esala Perahera in Kandy, which includes dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire dancers, and ornately decorated elephants. This takes place in Esala (July or August), the month that is thought to honor the Buddha’s first teaching following his enlightenment. Throughout the 10 days of the Kandy festival, a variety of celebrations are held. A procession with best musicians, performers, acrobats, and other artists escorted by numerous elephants and tuskers in captivity that parades through the streets in observance of a religious holiday is known in Sinhalese as “Perahera.”

The Esala Perahera in Kandy is celebrated to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic, commonly known as Sri Dalada Maligawa. This event also honors the  four ‘guardian’ gods, Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Goddess Pattini. It is believed that these gods protect the island and its people.

Purpose of the Kandy Esala Perahera Procession

The Kandy Esala Perahera Procession is held to implore the gods to grant rain so that crops can be grown and to protect Sri Lanka and its people. The rite involves bringing the Buddha’s precious tooth relic through the streets of Kandy, which is carried out with remarkable grace. In Asia, this type of event is regarded as one of the most exquisite. The initial rite that initiates Perahera is called “Kap Situweema,” which involves planting a young, sanctified Jackfruit tree. Astrologers choose an auspicious moment for the rite to be done.  Nine different types of flowers and an oil lamp with nine wicks are offered to the Jackfruit tree, which is doused with water scented with sandalwood. Praying to every god, the priest of the Maha Vishnu Devale (Vishnu Temple) performs his prayers.

Attraction for Foreign Tourists

According to a survey, the reason for the arrival of a  large number of international visitors is to spend vacations in Sri Lanka, business trips, or recreational trips. Usually foreigners from the UK in comparison to Asian tourists exhibit little interest in the country’s rich cultural legacy. However, it has been noted that Kandy and Galle are the most popular destinations due to its cultural legacy and relationship to the travel industry.

Kandy Perahera 2025

The processions of Kandy Peraahera contains a total of 11 events, including 5 days of Kumbal Perahera, 5 days of Randoli Perahera, and the final Diya Keepima and Day Perahera.

• Kumbal Perahera
  The Kumbal Perahera, which lasts for five days, is symbolized by the processions that begin the Kandy Perahera event. The Maligawa Perahera and the Basnayaka Nilame are in charge of the inaugural Kumbal Perahera.
  
  
• Devala Perahera
  The Devala Perahera, which is a parade honoring the four guardian gods—God Natha, God Vishnu, God Kataragama, and Goddess Pattini—will be the second procession of the Kandy Perahera.The remaining four “devale” peraheras are arranged after the previous one. The Natha Devale, which is said to be the oldest building in Kandy and was built in the fourteenth century, is the source of the second procession. It is situated in front of the Maligawa Sri Dalada. The third comes from the Vishnu Devale, which is also called the Maha Devale.It is situated in front of the principal entrance of the Natha Devale.
  
  The deity of Katharagama, also called the warrior deity Skanda, is the subject of the fourth procession, which originates from the Katharagama Devale of Kottugodalle Vidiya. In the Kavadi, also known as the peacock dance, pilgrim-dancers carry semicircular wooden instruments adorned with peacock feathers on their shoulders. The fifth and last procession takes place at the Pattini Devale, which lies west of the Natha Devale and is home to a goddess said to be able to heal infectious diseases and to be called in times of hunger and drought. This is the only procession that includes female dancers. The duration of the Perahera performance exceeds three hours. It is an amazing cultural event that combines Buddhist and Hindu ritual traditions with elements of Theravada and Mahayana.
  
  
• Randoli Perahera
  The Randoli Perahera, which begins immediately after the Kumbal Perahera and lasts for five nights straight, is the third Kandy Perahera procession. The word “Randoli” originates from the Kandyan Kings, who brought Maduran queens to maintain peace with south India and ward off invasions. The kings had the opportunity to select another queen from one of the wealthy families in the area, who they dubbed Rididoli. These queens that were brought over from Madura were called Randoli. The palanquins that the queens of the reigning kings customarily rode on are referred to as dolas or doli. Four burly men held the dola by all four ends. Queens eventually ceased taking part in the Perahera because it was deemed inappropriate. However, Randoli Perahera still has a palanquin carried there in observance of the tradition.
  
  
• Modern Perahera
  The Modern Perahera, which originates from the time of Kandyan King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747 – 1781 AD), is the fourth procession of the Kandy Perahera. The public was never allowed to worship the Tooth Relic because it was regarded as the King’s private property at this time. But King Rajasinghe ordered that the Relic be carried in a parade so that the public might see and honor it.
  
  
• Final Randoli Perahera
  The last Randoli Perahera is the sixth Kandy Perahera parade. This happens on the tenth night in a row of the Kandy Perahera and the fifth night of the Randoli Perahera. The Kandy Perahera’s most anticipated moment is now. Of all the Peraharas of Kandy festival, this one is the most exquisite, magnificent, and spectacular. This introduces the idea of that year’s conclusion to Kandy Esala Perahera. This is the culmination of the entire Kandy Perahera and draws thousands of tourists from both domestic and foreign locations. The most exquisite and lovely, with magnificent elephant parades and mesmerizing dances. Incredibly grandiose, this last Randoli Perahera is a must-see event in Sri Lanka.
  
  
• Diya Kepeema and Day Perahera
  The DiyaKeepime Perahera is the last procession of the Kandy Perahera, and the Day Perahera follows the Randoli Perahra on the next day. Near Peradeniya, at the Getambe Mahaveli River’s stepping stone, are four Peraheras from four Devales (God’s Temples). In Sinhala, the chief priest, known as the Kapurala, will wade into the center of the river and draw a circle in the water with a gold color sword. Other Kapuralas will then vacant the water from the ran kendiya, or golden ewer, that they filled up at the same location the previous year, and refill it with freshwater. The Diya Keepeime perahera is the name of this rite.
  
  At that point, the four Peraheras start the march back into Kandy. On the way, they make a halt at “Pulleyar Kovil” (Selvavinayagar Kovil) in Katukelle. Next, when astrology indicates it is a good moment, they proceed to the Adahana Maluwa and become part of the Maligawa Perahera. The five Peraheras walk down D. S. Senanayake Street and King Street at least three times. When the Maligawa Perahera enters the Maligawa and the devale Peraheras assemble at their respective shrines, the annual Kandy Esala Pageant comes to an end.

Tips to Follow

• It is free to see Kandy Esala Perahera. Thus, when you attend Kandy Perahera 2025, try not to waste your money on an expensive seat.
• Everyday event typically lasts three hours and begins in the evening at 8pm
• Make sure to go there last night to see a memorable evening filled with dances, fire performers, and a parade.
• The Kandy Esala Perahera’s itinerary and dates change annually. Therefore, obtaining the dates is essential before purchasing your tickets.
• The path may change, but the final destination—the Temple of the Tooth—never does.
• In the early days, routes followed shorter paths. It is best to visit within the first few days of your trip if you are traveling with little children or elderly guests.
• Even though Sri Lankans are incredibly friendly and helpful, use caution and avoid paying anyone to obtain a seat next to the route or a route chart.
• I would advise purchasing the map in advance.
• All you need to do is purchase a plastic sheet that you can lay down on the pavement to secure your location next to the path.
• It’s likely that, as a foreigner, you will pay at least Rs. 500 (US$ 3.20) for the disposable plastic mat, when locals will likely just pay Rs. 100 (US$ 0.65).
• The state of the restrooms during the perahera is appalling. It’s preferable to inquire nicely at a nearby store.

Embrace the beauty of togetherness as the sun sets. Share mindful conversations, savor sustainable treats, and create moments that inspire a greener tomorrow.

Emily Carter

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kandy Esala Perahera is a magnificent event that you should not miss. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a religious person, you will be enthralled with the spirit and atmosphere of Kandy Perahera 2025 procession. A highlight of any trip to Kandy is a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, albeit it’s recommended to go there in the days after the Esala Perahera rather than the days before.