KANDY ESALA PERAHERA.

 

        "The Temple of the Tooth" or Dalada Maligawa is situated in Kandy. It is one of the most sacred places for Buddhists. The sacred Tooth of Lord Buddha is housed in a gold casket there. There is an annual perahera in Kandy. It is held in the month of August every year in honor of the sacred Tooth Relic. This procession is regarded as the most significant event in the country. It is a world-famous pageant. Tourists flock to Sri Lanka during this period to witness this spectacular procession. The Esala Perahera is a combination of five peraheras. They are of five Devalas namely,

🙏 Maligawa Perahera.

🙏 Vishnu Devalaya.

🙏 Kataragama Devalaya.

🙏 Pattini Devalaya.

🙏 Natha Devalaya.

        Children carry flags and banners. Diyawadana Nilames,Kandyan, dancers, Drummers take part in this procession. They are followed by a large number of caparisoned elephants. The Maligawa Tusker walks in their midst, carrying the sacred Tooth Relic. 

        The event takes place over several days. The last day is regarded as the most important day of the procession.