Kandy, Sri Lanka – July 30, 2025 — Tens of thousands of devotees and tourists have converged on the historic city of Kandy for the annual Esala Perahera, one of Sri Lanka’s most significant religious and cultural celebrations.
The festival, which began on July 25 with the traditional Kap Situweema ceremony, has now moved into its public procession phase, known as the Kumbal Perahera. The more elaborate Randoli Perahera will begin on August 4 and continue until August 8, culminating on the Nikini Full Moon Poya day. The final rituals, including the Diya Kepeema or water-cutting ceremony, will be held on August 9.
The streets of Kandy have been transformed into a vibrant and sacred stage. Nightly processions feature elaborately adorned elephants, traditional Kandyan dancers, fire performers, whip crackers, and drummers—all moving in rhythm to ancient ceremonial music. The highlight of the event is the majestic tusker carrying the replica of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, symbolizing the spiritual heart of the Perahera.
Security and logistical arrangements have been significantly strengthened. With the surge in attendance, police and military personnel have been deployed across the city to manage crowd control and ensure public safety. Several roads in the city center have been temporarily closed to vehicular traffic during the evenings to accommodate the processions and the vast number of onlookers.
Hotels and guesthouses in and around Kandy have reported near full occupancy, with many visitors booking months in advance. Spectators have begun gathering hours before the start of the parades, occupying every available space along the procession routes.
The Esala Perahera is more than a spectacle—it is a deeply rooted expression of devotion and cultural heritage. As the sound of traditional drums echoes through the ancient streets and torchlight illuminates the night sky, both locals and foreigners alike witness a living tradition that has been passed down through generations.
This year’s festival marks one of the largest public turnouts in recent memory, reflecting both the enduring spiritual significance of the event and its increasing appeal to international travelers.
The Esala Perahera continues through early August and remains one of Asia’s most magnificent and spiritually charged festivals.
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