Festivals

The Kandy Esala Perahera dating back to the 3^rd century BC is the most ground of all festivals held in the country during the month of July/August

At the end of July every year the hill capital of Kandy gets spruced up for this magnificent religious festival that pays homage to the sacred tooth relics of the Buddha.

The relics taken from the Temple of the Tooth in a magnificent procession is paraded on the streets, accompanied by temple chieftains, colorfully bedecked elephants, Kandyan drummers and dancers, fire walkers, torch bearers and whip crackers, all to honor the Sacred Tooth relic

The festival which lasts around 12 days is described as the most spectacular event in Asia with massive crowds thronging the streets in humble reverence and admiration

The other note worthy event is the Perhera the Kataragama Devole, where majestically dressed elephants, colorful dancers and drummers take part in the procession, furthermore one can also withness locals fulfilling vows with an offering of pain, sometime walking om burning coals or swinging backs. This festival is also held in month of July/ August