The Kandy Esala Perahera is a ten-day festival that culminates in a grand procession of elephants, dancers, drummers, and torchbearers through the streets of Kandy. The procession starts at the Temple of the Tooth and winds its way through the city, accompanied by the beating of drums, the sound of trumpets, and the chanting of hymns. The procession is a magnificent sight to behold, with elaborately decorated elephants, colorful dancers in traditional attire, and torches lighting up the night sky.

The festival has a long and rich history that dates back to the 3rd century BC when the Buddha’s tooth relic was brought to Sri Lanka. The festival was originally held to honor the gods and to seek their blessings for a bountiful harvest. Over time, the festival evolved into a celebration of the Buddha’s tooth relic, and it became one of the most important events in Sri Lanka’s cultural calendar.