Kandy Esala Perahara (Procession) is happening in July or August in Kandy. It is believed to be a fusion of two separate but interconnected perahara's - Esala and Dalada. Kandy Esala Perahara pageant procession which is thought to date back to the 3rd centyry BC, was a ritual enacted to request the gods for rainfall. The Esala Perahara is believed to have begun when the sacred Tooth Reclic of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka from india during the 4th century AD. It is very grand with elegant costumes. it has become a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. The Tooth Relic was take in procession to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamala & Prince Dantha. It is a Buddhist festival consisting of dances and nicely decorated Elephants. There are fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian dances and various other cultural dances. The elephants are usually adorned with lavish garments.
