The Kandy Esala Perahera in 2024 is scheduled from August 10 to August 20. This yearly festival in Sri Lanka is one of the country’s most outstanding cultural festivals, with traditional Kandyan dances, artistically painted elephants, and colorful processions.
The celebration features two main processions: The Kumbal Perahera and the Randoli Perahera. The Kumbal Perahera begins on August 10 and lasts for five days. This is followed by the more spectacular Randoli Perahera, which runs from August 15 to August 19. The final day, August 20, features the Diya Kapeema (Water Cutting Ceremony) in the early morning and the Dahawal Perahera (Day Procession) in the afternoon.
If you intend to attend, arrive early to get a good viewing place, as the event draws big people, including many international tourists. It is recommended that you arrange seats through hotels or travel agents for a more comfortable experience. Additionally, if you plan to visit temples, ensure that you dress modestly.