Visit Sri Lanka in August 2016 and take in the colourful Kandy Esala Perahera, a spectacular centuries-old event which takes place annually over a ten day period in August.
The festival attracts vast crowds and highlights include processions of elaborately decorated elephants and hundreds of Kandyan dancers. The tentative dates for this year’s Kandy Esala Perahera are 8th – 18th August 2016 – note these dates are subject to change.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is the tropical teardrop island at the toe of India. It is one of the most beautiful and scenically interesting islands in the world with mystical ancient cities, thick jungles, precious stones, miles of palm fringed beaches. Costs are incredibly low and the people are very friendly – this destination offers a holiday experience like no other.
Kandy Esala Perahera
The Esala Perahera in Kandy is one of the oldest and grandest of all Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, featuring dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire-breathers, and lavishly decorated elephants. It is held in Esala (July or August) which is the month that is believed to commemorate the first teaching given by the Buddha after he attained enlightenment. The Kandy Esala Perahera lasts for ten days while various festivities can be witnessed right throughout. The Sinhalese term ‘Perahera’ means a parade of musicians, dancers, singers, acrobats and various other performers accompanied by a large number of brightly decorated Tuskers and Elephants parading the streets in celebration of a religious event. The Esala Perahera in Kandy is celebrated to honour the Sacred Tooth Relic and the four ‘guardian’ Gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Goddess Pattini. Read more about the Kandy Esala Perahera.
Ultimate Destinations will help you plan an amazing trip to Sri Lanka which includes time in Kandy for the Esala Perahera. And why not add in a few days of luxury down time in the Maldives to make it a memorable trip. Contact us today on 01923 284148 or send an email to info@ultimatedestinations.co.uk.
