Kandy Perahera 2016 – Complete Guide on Tickets for Kandy Perahera 2016 & Dates

Kandy Perahera a procession that comprises of much splendour and finesse owing to the colourful attire donned by the various performers and elephants in order to venerate the holy tooth relic of Lord Buddha, this annual festival of music, flora and incest is one that is held with unanimous harmony between man and beast.
Commemorated every August in Kandy, this city consists of numerous legacies upon being the last capital city of the country, before Colombo gained recognition as one. Home to the sacred tooth relic premises of Dalada Maligawa also known as the Temple of the Tooth which is situated at the epicentre of the township, the procession too revolves around this vicinity, with all major rituals taking place in and around this ancient castle.
If you plan to visit the Kandy Perahera 2016, here’s what you can expect:

• Kandy Perahera is a festival which gradually magnifies in its colourfulness as the days roll on by, typically within 10 days,
• Sheer resplendence and awe from the performances of numerous musicians and acrobats, who leave their impressions of fire-breathing and whip-cracking in their trails,
• Elephants elegantly adorned in silk costumes that are intricately embroidered and embellished, perfectly complementing the authentic culture and ethnic values of Theravada Buddhism,
• The first day that marks the beginning of the Kandy Perahera season is the Kapsituvima ritual, a ceremony where saplings from a Jack tree are planted at each of the four shrines (known as ‘Devales’ of the tooth relic’s guardian Gods – Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Pattini,
• The next 5 days begin the onset of the Kumbal Perahera, each Perahera being more exuberant than its former one,
• The last 5 days schedule the Randoli Perahera, wherein each Perahera is equally magnificent; the final segment of the procession though emanates much marvel as the Maligawa tusker (the main elephant that parades the festival with the golden casket) appears with the casket on its back and a canopy over it, not to forget the plush attire that it has been clad with.
• The final ritual is the Water-cutting (or ‘Diya Kepeema’) ceremony that is conducted through water from the Mahaweli River. This is a custom that venerates the Gods of rainfall, in order to bless the nation for the forthcoming year.

Dates of Kandy Perahera 2016

While this Perahera is scheduled each year during the Sinhalese month of Esala (hence the name Kandy Esala Perahera), the final and most prominent procession usually takes place on a full moon day (known as a Poya day). With the full moon day being specifically known as Nikini Poya Day, this particular season falls during the month of August each year.
As far as the exact Kandy Perahera 2016 dates are concerned, these are subject to vary since confirming so depend on astronomical and astrological tendencies that can only be made in due course of time. Nonetheless, here are the speculated dates for the Kandy Perahera 2016 that’s upcoming and anticipated by one and all, both local and foreign :

• 3rd or 5th of August 2016: Kapsituvima ceremony (planting of Jack tree saplings)
• 3rd or 5th – 7th of August 2016: Private Peraheras of the shrines (Devales) of all Guardian Gods
• 8th of August 2016: 1st Kumbal Perahera (public viewing of the Esala Perahera begins from here)
• 9th of August 2016: 2nd Kumbal Perahera
• 10th of August 2016: 3rd Kumbal Perahera
• 11th of August 2016: 4th Kumbal Perahera
• 12th of August 2016: 5th Kumbal Perahera
• 13th of August 2016: 1st Randoli Perahera
• 14th of August 2016: 2nd Randoli Perahera
• 15th of August 2016: 3rd Randoli Perahera
• 16th of August 2016: 4th Randoli Perahera
• 17th of August 2016: 5th Randoli Perahera
• 18th of August 2016: Diya Kepeema ceremony (‘Water-cutting’ ceremony)

Viewing Galleries for Kandy Esala Perahera 2016

When it comes to the Kandy Perahera, best viewing spots are usually located along the porches, balconies and even the corridors of buildings that fall within the route of the Perahera.

Due to the large crowd which gathers for the event, spectators are only able to reserve a seat for themselves if they make bookings well ahead in advance, especially since the July – August period in Kandy is a peak season for all hospitality establishments in the city.
If you are interested to make reservations for witnessing the grandeur of this majestic festival, we here at Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas can help you obtain seats for you and your loved ones, depending on the Kandy Perahera 2016 dates. What’s more, we can also organise a tour around the island that’s wonderfully tailor-made, accommodating all your exclusive requirements – together with this Kandy Perahera! Please get in touch with us now to know more.

Tickets for Kandy Perahera 2016

Depending on the demand for reservations as well as the day that you wish to be a part of the audience of the Kandy Perahera, seats shall vary, including the number of seats that will be available for booking.
If you would like to make any reservations for seating at the Kandy Perahera 2016, please feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Click here to request a free Itinerary for Kandy Esala Perahera 2016 along with tickets.

History of Kandy Perahera

Perahera (n): Sinhalese for ‘procession’, a Perahera is a festival that is conducted to commemorate any occasion that deems to be of high spiritual value. While numerous Peraheras grace the streets of Sri Lanka, the Kandy Esala Perahera is by far the most prestigious one out of all, with tens of thousands of pious local people including tourists flocking in to witness the glory of this parade every year in August.
The Kandy Perahera has been a custom that has been held for centuries in order to venerate the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha which was smuggled into Sri Lanka from India by Princess Hemamala during the 4th century AD. An amalgamation of 2 individual Peraheras, the Kandy Esala Perahera that is observed today consists of customs from the Esala Perahera – rituals that were carried out to worship the Gods of rain, and the Dalada Perahera – which was originally conducted to worship the tooth relic of Lord Buddha.

Following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Kandy Esala Perahera

Why Kandy Perahera is also a Popular Tourist Festival –

The colorful processions featuring traditional dancers, musicians, fire jugglers, decorated elephants and thousands of pilgrims makes Kandy Perahera in Sri Lanka a popular festival and also a great tourist attracting festival in Kandy Sri Lanka.

What are the Scheduled Dates for Kandy Esla Perahera –

This popular festival in Kandy will commence in July/August depending on the full moon.

When is the Scheduled Dates for the Perahera in 2016 –

Kandy Perahera 2016 is scheduled from 03rd August to 18th of August. Dates are subject to change. Please visit this page for frequent updates or send us an email to [email protected] and we will make sure to inform you of the dates once confirmed.

How can I build an Itinerary to experience Kandy Perahera 2016 & other important & best parts of Sri Lanka? To have the best experience of Kandy Esala Pershera, we would recommend you spend at least a couple if days in Kandy and then plan to explore other parts of Sri Lanka. Kandy is the Gateway to Hill Country and it always make sense to visit Nuwaraeliya and other parts of Hill country as part of your visit to Kandy. Other important places to visit in Sri Lanka includes historic locations such as Dambulla, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and some famous breaches such as Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Unawatuna, Mirissa etc.

Find out more about Places to Visit in Sri Lanka & Famous Places in Sri Lanka.

I Need Help to Design an Itinerary to see Kandy Perahera and Other Parts of Sri Lanka?

If you need help in designing your Itinerary for Kandy Perahera 2016, Feel free to send us an email to [email protected] or request a free itinerary here and we will make sure to build a perfect Itinerary.

Find out more about Sri Lanka Itineraries.

How Can I Get the Best View of the Perahera?

There are several specially allocated places to get the best view of the Perahera. Why not send us an email to [email protected] and we will make arrangements to book a perfect view for you.

What are the Best Hotels in Kandy for Accommodation during Kandy Perahera?

Kandy is a popular city and is equipped with some if the Best Hotels in Sri Lanka. Some of the Best Hotels for Kandy Perahera 2016 can be recommended as Amaaya Hills Kandy, Earls Regency Hotel, Hotel Hill Top etc.

Did you know that Queens Hotel Kandy is the Best Hotel in Kandy to View Kandy Perahera festival from the balcony of your room itself? Contact us to find out more about availability.

Will Kids/Children Enjoy Kandy Perahera?

Yes, this is a very colorful festival in Sri Lanka. Especially if you like Elephants, towards the end if Perahera the number of Elephants gets bigger and bigger and at the final few days if Perahera there will be over 100 Elephants colorfully dressed.

If you are traveling with Kids there are number of Family Hotels in Kandy which will offer you and your kids an unforgettable Family Holiday in Sri Lanka.

Request a Free Itinerary for Kandy Perahera

Helpful Links

• Places to Visit in Kandy
• Things to do in Kandy
• Best Hotels in Kandy
• Paces to Visit in Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka Tours

The post Kandy Perahera 2016 – Kandy Esala Perahera 2016 Dates appeared first on Sri Lanka Holidays - Sri Lanka Tours - Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas.