The Processions
The nightly perahera comprise of five individual processions that start at each of the four devales and the Temple of the Tooth. Eventually these five processions merge into one as they follow a route around the city with the Temple of the Tooth perahera leading the way. While the lead procession carries the Tooth Relic replica, the other four carry their temple's insignia and each has one notable difference in their performance line-up according to the god they honour. For instance, the Pattini perahera features largely female dancers.
DRUMMERS PROVIDE A RHYTHMIC SOUNDTRACK TO THE NIGHTLY PROCESSIONS. PHOTO CREDIT: DENNIS CANDY
When is the Kandy Festival celebrated?
The Kandy Festival is celebrated every year in the Sinhalese month of Esala, which falls between July and August in the Gregorian calendar. It's a 10-day festival and the start date changes each year according to the full moon. This year the Kandy Esala Perahera will be celebrated from the 16th August to the 26th August 2018.
Tips for making the most of the Kandy Festival
Book in advance - accommodation fills up quickly
Grab a spot - the processions usually kick off between 8pm and 9pm so you want to nab a space on the pavement along the route. Get in early as it gets busy quickly.
Be prepared to jostle - the streets of Kandy become rammed with crowds during the festival and if you want to walk around and follow the processions you'll need to make a path for yourself.
Reserve a seat - if you prefer a more comfortable experience then book one of the thousands of seats set up in the windows and balconies of buildings overlooking the processional route. Prices range from USD $20-50 depending on the night and the view on offer.
Recommended Tours for the Kandy Festival
If you want to witness the pomp and splendour of the Kandy Esala Perahera with a like-minded group of travellers, escorted by a local guide, have at look at our 8-day Colombo, Caves and Kandy Festival group tour. Visiting the Cultural Triangle of the Dambulla cave temples, Polonanaruwa ruins and Sigiriya rock fortress, two nights are spent in Kandy watching the procession and visiting the Temple of the Tooth. Continue on to Nuwara Eliya and Udawalawe National Park for tea plantations and wildlife safari.
We pre-book seats for our passengers so that they can enjoy the pageant from the shop corridors along the route. Usually this seating is on elevated ramps for a clearer view. Accompanied by a local guide, you'll learn all about this spectacular festival and Sri Lankan culture from someone who really knows.
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