2014-08-01 - 1st Kumbal Perahera
2014-08-02 - 2nd Kumbal Perahera
2014-08-03 - 3rd Kumbal Perahera
2014-08-04 - 4th Kumbal Perahera
2014-08-05 - 5th Kumbal Perahera
2014-08-06 - 1st Randoli Perahera
2014-08-07 - 2nd Randoli Perahera
2014-08-08 - 3rd Randoli Perahera
2014-08-09 - 4th Randoli Perahera
2014-08-10 - 5th Randoli Perahera
Overview
Costumed elephants on parade, celebrants dancing to incessant drumming, and wafting incense burns for ten days all in honor of the Buddhas purloined tooth.
Location
Kandy is Sri Lanka's second-largest city, about 100 kilometers northeast of Colombo, practically in the middle of the island nation.
Our take
This should be on everyone's top ten bucket list of festivals, as most people who go say it's the most splendid visual feast they've ever experienced. Never before in your life have you seen so many elephants adorned in such glamorous costumes in the nightly torchlight processions. This celebration that has been around for hundreds of years will remind you that one of the chief purposes of a festival is to provide generational guidance for cultures and families.
Located in some of the most verdant and picturesque countryside on this island and in the World Heritage-listed Kandy, and given the 10-day length of the festival, Esala Perahera is meant to be savored and appreciated over many days. Dont rush it. Spend at least three days enjoying the festivities.
A fantasic example of generations being guided by cultural ritualin this case by fantasticly adorned pachyderms.
Essentials
Find your spot. With each night the parade gets more animated and the crowds get bigger. To get a good viewing spot, arrive at least 3 to 4 hours early or, better yet, rent street side seats in homes, hotels, and shops (though youll still need to arrive an hour early to get a chair).
Cover up. Take note that people cannot enter temples with shoulders exposed or shorts or skirts that go above the knees. We suggest carrying a sarong or scarf to wrap around your shoulders or waist during your visit.
Avoid the crowds. The afternoon after the final festival day provides an afternoon perahera that makes for great photos without the intensity, energy and crowds.
