Esala Perahera for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Saturday, August 13th. There are until the next observance.

Esala Perahera is held every year in July or August, and this year it will take place from August 13 to August 23. The Sacred Tooth Relic and the four “guardian” gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Goddess Pattini are honored throughout this week-long festival. It is one of the most important Buddhist celebrations in Sri Lanka, lasting ten days. It is commemorated during the month of “Esala” (July or August), which is thought to commemorate Buddha’s first teachings following enlightenment. The term “Perahera” refers to musicians, dancers, singers, and other entertainers who parade through the streets with elephants to honor religious ceremonies. The event ends with a traditional ceremony at the Mahaweli River in Kandy, where the water is cut off.

📆 When is Esala Perahera?

This year, Esala Perahera is on August 13th. It is the 2nd Saturday in August; in 2023, it is on Sunday.

Countdown to Esala Perahera

Did you know: The 14th-century temple that faces the Sri Dalada Maligawa is said to be Kandy’s oldest structure.

You can also see all cool things you didn’t know about and facts about August 13, 2022.

📜 History of Esala Perahera

Upali Thera’s efforts resulted in the creation of Esala Perahera. The procession’s initial objective was to honor Hindu deities, particularly those adopted into Sri Lankan Buddhism. Upali Thera thought this was unacceptable in a Buddhist kingdom, and his influence prompted the king to declare that “from now on, gods and men must follow the Buddha.”

The greatest Esala Perehera account of the Buddha’s life tale is found in the book of the Chinese pilgrim Fa Hien, who came to Sri Lanka in the fifth century A.D. Because of intermittent invasions by Dravidian nations, the kingdom was relocated from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa, then to Dambadeniya, and eventually to other places. At each retreat, a new temple was erected to house the hallowed tooth relic. The ruins were finally abandoned once the capital was relocated to Kandy. Since then, the hallowed tooth relic has been celebrated yearly during the Esala Perahera.

☑️ Esala Perahera facts

The firing of cannonballs
There are four critical times for cannonballs to be fired, which may be heard across Kandy.

The Festival of Tooth
Esala Perahera is also known as the “Festival of Teeth.”

Devale Perahera
During the first five days, the Devale Perahera, which historically meant to bless the king and his people, is held.

Things to do on Esala Perahera

Attend a procession
Everyone is obligated to participate in the five processions performed over the course of ten days on Esala Perahera. These processions are particularly important to Buddhists because they are only held once a year. As a result, the great majority of Christians are looking forward to this event.

Participate in the ceremonies
Aside from attending the rituals performed on Esala Perahera, one should endeavor to actively participate in these religious events in order to draw closer to God (in whom Buddhists believe). Look at ways you can become involved.

Practice religious activities
On this holy day (for Buddhists), followers must endeavor to undertake religious activities in addition to participating in processions. During these ten days, one should devote themselves to religion since it is human nature for religious practice to instill emotions of calm and contentment in the heart.

📅 Esala Perahera Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 August 13 Sunday
2024 August 13 Tuesday
2025 August 13 Wednesday
2026 August 13 Thursday
2027 August 13 Friday

You can view all August holidays, including Cultural and other Cultural holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Esala Perahera. So be sure to check back soon.