Kandy Esala Perahera to start on August 18th
Speaking at a discussion on the organization and the progress of the historic Kandy Esala Perahera held at the Presidential Secretariat, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake said the government will provide maximum support and necessary interventions for the success of the Perahera.
The Esala Perahera of the Sri Dalada Maligawa will commence on August 18. The Kumbal Perahera will parade the streets from 18th to 22nd August, and the Randoli Perahera will commence from 23rd August. The Final Grand Randoli Perahera will be held on August 27. The 2026 Esala Perahera festival will conclude on the last day with the final day procession scheduled for the afternoon of August 28th, following the water-cutting ceremony in the morning of that day.
| Event | Date(s) | Time |
| Kumbal Perahera | August 18 – August 22 | Night Procession |
| Randoli Perahera | August 23 – August 26 | Night Procession |
| Final Grand Randoli Perahera | August 27 | Night Procession |
| Water-Cutting Ceremony (Diya Kepeema) | August 28 | Morning |
| Final Day Procession | August 28 | Afternoon |
