Study Note: History of the Kandy Esala Perahera
Overview
Name: Kandy Esala Perahera (Esala Procession)
Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Significance: One of the oldest and grandest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, celebrated in honor of the Sacred
Tooth Relic of the Buddha.
Historical Background
Origin: The festival's roots can be traced back to over 2,000 years ago, with influences from both Hindu and
Buddhist traditions. The Esala Perahera, as it is known today, began in the 18th century.
Purpose: Originally, the festival was conducted to invoke the blessings of the gods to ensure ample rainfall and
good harvests.
Development through History
Ancient Period:
The practice of carrying sacred relics in processions has a long history in Sri Lanka, linked to ensuring rain and
fertility.
The Esala Perahera likely evolved from these earlier traditions combined with Hindu rituals.
Kandy Period (16th century–present):
The festival took its current form during the reign of King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747–1782), who formalized
the integration of the Tooth Relic procession with the Perahera.
The Tooth Relic was moved from the Temple of the Tooth to a smaller shrine at the Natha Devale and then
paraded through the streets.
Structure of the Festival
Duration: The Esala Perahera spans ten days, typically held in July or August.
Processions: The festival consists of several processions, each night leading up to the final grand procession.
Kumbal Perahera: The first five nights of processions, starting on a smaller scale.
Randoli Perahera: The last five nights were more elaborate and grand.
Maha Perahera: The final procession, the largest and most magnificent.
Key Components
Religious Elements:
Sacred Tooth Relic: Carried in a golden casket atop a majestic tusker elephant.
Devale Processions: Four shrines (Vishnu, Kataragama, Natha, and Pattini) each have their own processions
integrated into the festival.
Cultural Elements:
Drummers and Dancers: Traditional Kandyan dancers, drummers, and other performers add vibrancy.
Elephants: Elegantly adorned elephants participate, with the tusker carrying the Tooth Relic as the centerpiece.
Torch Bearers: Illuminate the streets and add to the festival's grandeur.
Cultural and religious importance
Symbol of Heritage: The Esala Perahera is a vital part of Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious heritage.
Community Involvement: The festival sees participation from various communities, showcasing unity and
collective cultural identity.
Tourist Attraction: A significant draw for tourists, contributing to cultural tourism in Sri Lanka.
Modern Significance
UNESCO Recognition: The traditional dance forms and elements of the Esala Perahera contribute to its
recognition by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
Preservation Efforts: Ongoing efforts to preserve the authenticity and cultural integrity of the festival.
Key Points to Remember
The Kandy Esala Perahera is both a religious and cultural festival with ancient roots.
It evolved significantly during the reign of King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe, who formalized its current structure.
The festival involves a series of processions culminating in a grand procession featuring the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Overview
Name: Kandy Esala Perahera (Esala Procession)
Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Significance: One of the oldest and grandest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, celebrated in honor of the Sacred
Tooth Relic of the Buddha.
Historical Background
Origin: The festival's roots can be traced back to over 2,000 years ago, with influences from both Hindu and
Buddhist traditions. The Esala Perahera, as it is known today, began in the 18th century.
Purpose: Originally, the festival was conducted to invoke the blessings of the gods to ensure ample rainfall and
good harvests.
Development through History
Ancient Period:
The practice of carrying sacred relics in processions has a long history in Sri Lanka, linked to ensuring rain and
fertility.
The Esala Perahera likely evolved from these earlier traditions combined with Hindu rituals.
Kandy Period (16th century–present):
The festival took its current form during the reign of King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747–1782), who formalized
the integration of the Tooth Relic procession with the Perahera.
The Tooth Relic was moved from the Temple of the Tooth to a smaller shrine at the Natha Devale and then
paraded through the streets.
Structure of the Festival
Duration: The Esala Perahera spans ten days, typically held in July or August.
Processions: The festival consists of several processions, each night leading up to the final grand procession.
Kumbal Perahera: The first five nights of processions, starting on a smaller scale.
Randoli Perahera: The last five nights were more elaborate and grand.
Maha Perahera: The final procession, the largest and most magnificent.
Key Components
Religious Elements:
Sacred Tooth Relic: Carried in a golden casket atop a majestic tusker elephant.
Devale Processions: Four shrines (Vishnu, Kataragama, Natha, and Pattini) each have their own processions
integrated into the festival.
Cultural Elements:
Drummers and Dancers: Traditional Kandyan dancers, drummers, and other performers add vibrancy.
Elephants: Elegantly adorned elephants participate, with the tusker carrying the Tooth Relic as the centerpiece.
Torch Bearers: Illuminate the streets and add to the festival's grandeur.
Cultural and religious importance
Symbol of Heritage: The Esala Perahera is a vital part of Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious heritage.
Community Involvement: The festival sees participation from various communities, showcasing unity and
collective cultural identity.
Tourist Attraction: A significant draw for tourists, contributing to cultural tourism in Sri Lanka.
Modern Significance
UNESCO Recognition: The traditional dance forms and elements of the Esala Perahera contribute to its
recognition by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
Preservation Efforts: Ongoing efforts to preserve the authenticity and cultural integrity of the festival.
Key Points to Remember
The Kandy Esala Perahera is both a religious and cultural festival with ancient roots.
It evolved significantly during the reign of King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe, who formalized its current structure.
The festival involves a series of processions culminating in a grand procession featuring the Sacred Tooth Relic.
