Esala Perahera Festival in Sri Lanka

⭐ Esala Perahera Festival Location: Kandy Time: August 10th to August 20th,every year Tickets: Free on the streets / Official paid tickets ⭐ Activities: 1️⃣ Kumbal Perahera Parade The Kumbal Perahera marks the opening ceremony and lasts for five days, from August 10th to August 14th. It starts at 6 PM on August 10th and begins at around 7 PM for the next four days. The parade starts from the Temple of the Tooth and the sound of cannon fire signifies the start of the Kumbal procession around the streets near the temple. Each night, the parade lasts for about 3-4 hours. The exact start times are determined by the Sri Lankan people based on auspicious days (let me know if you're interested). 2️⃣ Randoli Perahera Parade This parade also lasts for five days but is more grand than the Kumbal Perahera. Importantly, you will see many elephants adorned with colorful lights, led by the chief elephant called Maligawa Tusker, carrying the Sacred Tooth Relic. It's a spectacular and awe-inspiring sight. The name also belongs to the elephant of the last king of Kandy. Behind the elephants, there are dancers and acrobats, making for a very long and lively procession. The scope of this parade is broader, expanding throughout the entire city of Kandy. Especially the last day, it's particularly grand, with the largest crowd and the climax of the Esala Perahera. 3️⃣ Water-Cutting Ceremony This is the final day, and there is no parade in the evening. The ceremony takes place at noon, marking the end of the Esala Perahera. ❗Tips: There are seats along the parade route that can be reserved! Otherwise, standing for hours over several days will be exhausting. You can also browse the street vendors and buy some handmade souvenirs to remember the event 🥰 Authorities in Kandy will provide ample police presence, but everyone should still keep their valuables secure.😊 #Sri Lanka#Esala Perahera Festival#Kandy#Sri Lanka tirp