Kandy welcomes thousands of people in celebration paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic during the month of July or August. This is held in commemoration of the first teaching given by Lord Buddha after he had gained enlightenment. This Perahera is also celebrated to honour the four ‘guardian’ Gods which are Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Goddess Pattini.
The sole purpose of the Kandy Esala Perahera parade is to implore blessings of the Gods for rain for the harvesting of crops and the development of the lands of the dominion. This ritual is steeped in history, heritage and culture for the Tooth Relic is gently carried in a golden casket atop a magnificently decorated tusker along a procession around the streets of the city. The parade constitutes of many lavishly embellished elephants, numerous dancers, drummers, torchbearers, fire breathers and whip crackers.
The first ritual is called ‘Kap Situweema’ which means the planting of a consecrated young Jackfruit Tree. This is conducted to start the rituals that commence the Perahera. The ritual is carried out according to an auspicious time given by the astrologers. The Jackfruit is sprinkled with water scented with sandalwood and offerings consist of nine types of flowers and an oil lamp.
Music, colour, pomp and pageantry adorn every corner of Kandy. The Kandy Esala Perahera lasts for ten days and nights prior to the Esala Poya day. This spectacular, age-old procession is one of the oldest and most grand pageants in Asia.
