Kandy Esala Perahera 2025: History, Importance, Schedule & Perahera Route 

What is Kandy Esala Perahera?

Importance of the Kandy Esala Perahera

Kandy Esala Perahera 2025 

Historical Background

How Old Is the Kandy Esala Perahera?

Kandy Esala Perahera dates back to more than 1,700 years back, in its original form (without the use of the Sacred Tooth Relic), and more than 300 years in its present incarnation (including the Sacred Tooth Relic). The order of the procession we observe today is developed in the Kandyan Kingdom especially by King Khanthi Sri Rajasinghe (17471782).

Kandy Esala Perahera 2025 Timetable & Perahera Route

Although actual dates and times will be published on the lunar calendar, tentatively the schedule of the Kandy Esala Perahera 2025 valley probably is going to have such a structure:

The Randoli Perahera will be held between the 5 th of August and the 9 th of August 2025 according to the Media Bureau of the Dalada Maligawa.

EVENT DATE 2025 Time Perahera Route
1st Kumbal Perahera 30th July 07:05PM Click Here
2nd Kumbal Perahera 31st July 07:01PM Click Here
03rd Kumbal Perahera 01st August 07:16PM Click Here
04th Kumbal Perahera 02nd August 06:54PM Click Here
05th Kumbal Perahera 03rd August 06:43PM Click Here
01st Randoli Perahera 04th August 06:47PM Click Here
02nd Randoli Perahera 05th August 07:16PM Click Here
03rd Randoli Perahera 06th August 07:06PM Click Here
04th Randoli Perahera 07th August 07:02PM Click Here
Final Randoli Perahera (The Grand Randoli Procession) 08th August 06:51PM Click Here
Diya Kapeema (The water cutting ceremony) 09th August 01:18AM
Dahawal Perahera (The Day Procession) 09th August 02:16PM Click Here

Downloadable Resources

How to Celebrate Kandy Esala Perahera

The visitors and locals have different celebrations:

  • Observing the Procession:The onlookers crowd the viaducts of Kandy to watch the spectacle of the procession of elephants, fire dancers and rituals.
  • The Offerings and Prayers: During the period of the festival, the devotees pay their visit to the Temple of the Tooth with offerings and prayers.
  • Appreciation of Culture: Photography, art and writing are activities done by many as this area is very appealing visually and spiritual in culture.
  • Spiritual Reflection: There are people who practice Buddhist cultures like Sil campaigns, meditation, and discussion of dhamma.

Procession Route

Historically the Perahera procession starts with a trip around Kandy streets starting at Sri Dalada Maligawa:

  • Dalada Veediya
  • DS Senanayake Street
  • Temple Road
  • Deva Veediya
  • Sangaraja Mawatha
  • And then returns to the temple

The streets are closed to traffic during the procession, and elevated viewing platforms (ticketed) are available for tourists.

How Many Days Are There in Kandy Perahera?

The festival typically spans 10 days:

  • 5 days of Kumbal Perahera (smaller processions)
  • 5 days of Randoli Perahera (grand processions)

  • Be on Time: The streets are closed, and there is a little seating.
  • Acquire clothes: Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops especially in religious places.
  • Take Public Transport: There is excessive restriction in traffic during the festival.
  • Stay Safe: Watch your head in a crowd and abide to local traditions.

Information in this article has been referenced from the official releases by the Media Bureau of the Dalada Maligawa.

FAQs

Reservation of the seats can also be booked at the hotels, travel agents or websites that offer viewing packages. Spectators are allowed to watch the games in the streets at no cost but the competition is stiff in the streets.

Are outsiders allowed to enter the festival?

Absolutely. It is visited by thousands of foreign tourists every year. It is advisable to make bookings on fields and tickets early enough.

Are there elephants in the procession?

Yes. A decoration of elephants has a predominant role and in particular, the Maligawa Tusker, which carries the replica of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Does the public get to see the Sacred Tooth Relic?

No. The real relic is never shown. A procession is made by a replica held in a golden casket (reliquary).

Conclusion

More than a festival Kandy Esala Perahera 2025 is a cultural experience of the Sri Lankan soul. it is a most unforgettable experience to pilgrims and tourists because of its deep spiritual significance, centuries of tradition, and the marvel of pageantry. Regardless of the reason why you are here to attend the Perahera, be it religious motives, cultural discovery or simple curiosity, it will be imprinted in the heart and soul.

 

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