If you want to attend the Kandy Perahera, let us tell you about all the essential details you must know.
About Kandy Perahera
Kandy Perahera, also known as the Esala Perahera, is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant and grandest religious festivals. Held annually in the sacred city of Kandy, this spectacular event is dedicated to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, housed in the Temple of the Tooth (Sri DaladaMaligawa).
The Perahera, which means “procession” in Sinhala, is a vibrant and elaborate parade featuring beautifully adorned elephants, traditional dancers, fire jugglers, whip crackers, drummers, and flag bearers, all marching through the streets of Kandy in a mesmerizing display of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
The origins of Kandy Perahera date back to the 4th century when the Sacred Tooth Relic was brought to Sri Lanka from India. Over time, the Perahera evolved into a grand spectacle, combining Buddhist rituals with age-old Kandyan traditions. Today, it is one of the most anticipated events in the country, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists from around the world.
The festival spans ten days, beginning with the Kumbal Perahera, the initial processions, and culminating in the grand Randoli Perahera, the most opulent and dazzling segment of the parade. The event ends with the diya kapeema (water-cutting ceremony), a symbolic purification ritual performed at the Mahaweli River.
The Kandy Perahera is not just a religious event but also a cultural phenomenon that showcases Sri Lanka’s rich artistic and historical heritage. Each year, the festival brings together dancers, drummers, and elephant handlers from different regions of the country, ensuring the continuation of traditional performances and customs passed down through generations.
Kandy Perahera 2025 dates
The Kandy Esala Perahera takes place according to the lunar calendar, usually in July or August. The 2025 Kandy Perahera is expected to be held from July 31 to August 9, 2025. The festival follows a structured schedule:
- Kumbal Perahera (July 31 – August 3, 2025): The first five nights mark the initial processions with simpler, yet captivating parades. The Devale Perahera (procession of the four main Hindu shrines) is integrated into the main procession.
- Randoli Perahera (August 4 – August 8, 2025): These five nights are more elaborate, featuring decorated elephants carrying relic caskets and an increased number of performers.
- Final Randoli Perahera (August 8, 2025): The most significant and grandest procession, with the most lavishly adorned elephants, marking the peak of the festival.
- Diya Kapeema (August 9, 2025): A sacred water-cutting ritual performed at the Mahaweli River, concluding the festival.
Kandy Perahera tickets
Attending the Kandy Perahera is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but securing the best view requires early planning. There are different ways to watch the parade:
- Public Viewing Areas (Free)
Many locals and tourists gather along the streets of Kandy to watch the Perahera for free. However, these areas get extremely crowded hours before the event. Arriving early is important to secure a good spot.
- Reserved Seating (Paid)
Several organizations, hotels, and tour companies offer paid seating with a clear view of the procession. Some of the best places to purchase tickets include:
- Hotels along the parade route: Many top hotels, like Queen’s Hotel and Hotel Suisse, offer balcony seating with refreshments.
- Tour operators: Various travel agencies sell reserved seating with comfortable chairs and an unobstructed view.
- Restaurants & Cafés: Some restaurants with upper floors offer seating with meal packages.
- VIP & Temple Seating
For a premium experience, VIP seating can be booked through select agencies. The Sri DaladaMaligawa itself sometimes offers exclusive viewing spots for high-profile guests.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary depending on location and view quality. In 2025, expected prices per person might be:
- Standard seating: $30 – $50
- Premium seating: $75 – $150
- VIP seating: $200+
Early booking is highly recommended as tickets sell out months in advance. Reliable sources for purchasing tickets include reputable travel agencies, hotel concierge services, and official tourism websites.
The Kandy Perahera is an unforgettable cultural experience, showcasing Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted traditions, religious devotion, and artistic excellence. Whether watching from the streets or a reserved seat, witnessing this grand procession is a magical experience for anyone.
For the best experience, we suggest you book your tickets as early as possible. And ensure you arrive at least 2 hours early even if you have tickets. There will be thousands of visitors gathering, so be prepared for that and take care of your belongings.
As it is a religious event, make sure you wear proper clothes and also follow the guidelines as per the local notice.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.
