Sri Dalada Perahera -Kandy Esala Perahera
The Dalada Maligawa hosts special religious programs on every Full Moon Poya day, which witness large participation. Apart from daily, weekly, and monthly ceremonies, there are four major ceremonies held every year: Aluth Sahal Mangailaya, Avurudu Mangallaya, Esala Mangallaya, and Karthika Mangallaya. The Esala Mangallaya, which falls in the month of July/August according to the Sinhalese calendar, is the most important of them all. This is the time when Kandy becomes festive, and shopkeepers and hoteliers stock up to cater to the massive crowds. The Maligawa and its premises are decorated and illuminated with strings of lights, including the esplanade, which burns throughout the night.
A few days before the Esala Perahera, a Kapa, a sapling from a tree that sheds milky juice, is erected in each of the four Devales. The Kumbal Perahera begins on the fifth day and goes on for ten consecutive nights when the sacred relic casket is taken around the streets of Kandy, accompanied by exot...
A few days before the Esala Perahera, a Kapa, a sapling from a tree that sheds milky juice, is erected in each of the four Devales. The Kumbal Perahera begins on the fifth day and goes on for ten consecutive nights when the sacred relic casket is taken around the streets of Kandy, accompanied by exot...
