‘Esala’ refers to the month of the year (either July or August depending on the year) in which Buddha delivered his first teachings after attaining enlighten. ‘Perahera’ is the word which describes an important religious festival in Sinhalese.

The grand procession that takes place in Kandy is considered one of the most prominent and opulent in the whole of Asia, the purpose of which being to seek blessings from the gods for good rainfall and healthy crops.

The revered tooth relic of Buddha is carried through the streets of Kandy with extraordinary flamboyance and fanfare as dancers, performers, fire-breathers and lavishly decorated elephants partake in the procession.