In the Buddhist month of Esala, one of the most important annual Buddhist celebrations takes place in Kandy. one of Buddhism's most sacred relics, the Sacred Tooth is taken from Dalada Maligawa Temple in a golden casket and paraded through the streets of Kandy in a procession of richly decorated elephants, fire juggling acrobats, dancers, musicians and torch bearers. The procession takes place every night for ten days with parades getting longer until the final night when the pageant is at its best. 

The grand Esala Perahera has been evolving over the years into a festival and procession that is no longer just for Buddhists but for all of Sri Lanka. The festival begins in late July or August. The purpose of the Esala Perahera parade is to let the followers of the Buddhist faith praise and honour the sacred tooth. the sacred tooth is normally housed in the Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist place. 

 

The parade is a magnificent procession of expert fire handlers, exotic dancers, fierce drummers, jugglers, horn blowers and the most stunningly dressed elephants you have ever seen. The costumes of the Esala Perehara are most divine. the detailed gold and silver work is only out done by the intricacy of the jewels and sequins. Not only are the people bedecked in such brilliance but the elephants are in gowns much the same. the sight is dazzling and awesome and is an event never to be missed out on!