Overview
About the event
Esala Perahera is celebrated annually in July or August and this year, it will be celebrated from August 10 to 20. This week-long holiday honors the Sacred Tooth Relic and the four �??guardian�?? Gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Goddess Pattini. It is one of the greatest of all Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, which lasts for 10 days. It is observed during �??Esala�?� (July or August), the month believed to commemorate the first teachings of Buddha after enlightenment. The word �??Perahera�?? refers to musicians, dancers, singers, and various other performers with numerous elephants parading the streets to celebrate religious events. The festival ends with the traditional ritual, a water cutting ceremony which is held at the Mahaweli River in Kandy.
