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Kandy
Kandy, one of the most visited cities in Sri Lanka,
is a major cultural and religious center, showcasing some
of the most colorful cultural traditions of the island nation.
The city is a popular center of Buddhism, and several
Buddhist monasteries and temples are located here. Prominent
among these are the Malwatte and Asgiriya temples
The importance of Kandy is mainly due to the Dalada Maligawa
(Temple of the Tooth), housing the Sacred Tooth Relic of the
Buddha
Esala Perahera
Kandy is the venue of the Esala Perahera, one of
the most colorful festivals in Sri Lanka.
This popular festival, marked by great pageantry,
is held in July/August each year, in honour of the sacred
tooth Relic.
This grand festival and its equally revered traditions
continue for ten nights each year
During this period of festivity the entire city acquires
an altogether new look, bustling with colorful processions
and hectic religious fervor.
It is a Buddhist festival consisting of traditional dance
troupes, Kandyan drummers, and richly decorated elephants.
The Procession is lead by The Dalada Maligawa (Temple of
the Sacred Tooth Relic), followed by the procession of the
four shrines dedicated to the gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama
and the goddess Pattini. The festival ends with the traditional
'diya-kepeema'.
Esala Perahera is a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka,
and thousands of tourist reach Kandy every year to get a spectacular
view of this magnificent festival.
As all hotels in Kandy are filled to capacity during
this period, people begin to arrive in Kandy in advance.
While attending this cultural festival you can also shop
for local handicrafts and wares prepared by the Kandyan craftsmen.
Visitor Information
Location of the Festival: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Timing of the Festival: July/August
India Sri Lanka Tours offers information on Kandy Esala Perahera
and online booking for Sri Lanka Tours. To book your tour
or for more information please fill the form given below.
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