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Get ready to immerse yourself in the stunning spectacle of Esala Perahera on August 11! A beautiful, vibrant festival that dates back over 2,000 years, Esala Perahera transports you to the heart of Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage. This grand event features a thrilling collection of richly-decorated elephants, agile dancers, and mesmeric traditional music, all designed to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha. As one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated festivals, Esala Perahera attracts visitors worldwide, who eagerly partake in the festivities and honor ancient Buddhist traditions. We invite you to be a part of this memorable day and soak in the exquisite ambiance of Sri Lankan culture.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>310 BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Esala Perahera Beginnings</div><div class='timeline-text'>Thought to have its origins in the 4th century BC, Esala Perahera was initially a ritual to request rain from the gods.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>300 AD</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Sacred Tooth Relic Arrival</div><div class='timeline-text'>Sri Lanka becomes the home to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, brought from India. The relic becomes a central focus in Esala Perahera.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1700s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Kandy Era Influence</div><div class='timeline-text'>Esala Perahera takes its current form during the Kandy era, where it additionally serves as a display of cultural and political power.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1951</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Esala Perahera attracts global attention, with worldwide visitors attending the festival, marking its status as a major cultural and tourist event.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recent Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Recent years continue to see massive participation in Esala Perahera, with the event radiating as a vibrant display of Sri Lankan heritage and Buddhist devotion.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Design your own Perahera-inspired outfits</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take inspiration from the opulently decorated elephants and participants in the Esala Perahera. Dress in vibrant colors and embellish your clothes with beads, sequins, or embroidery to truly immerse yourself in the spirit of the festival.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create and share festive recipes</h3><p class='facts-text'>Prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes, such as kiribath (milk rice) or kottu roti, to share with your friends and family. This will give you a literal taste of the cultural experience that is Esala Perahera!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Learn a traditional dance</h3><p class='facts-text'>Energetic Kandyan dancers are a highlight of Esala Perahera. Learn a basic Kandyan dance and perform it for your family or friends. It’s a fun and active way to engage with the spirit of the celebration.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a mini Perahera parade</h3><p class='facts-text'>Gather friends, family, even pets, and host your own “Perahera” parade. Dress up, play traditional music, and take a procession around your neighborhood or even just around your backyard!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Meditate in reverence</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take a moment to understand the spiritual significance of Esala Perahera by meditating. Reflect on the teachings of Buddha and pay homage to his wisdom in your own quiet way.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Immerse in rich cultural heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Esala Perahera is an opportunity to become a part of Sri Lanka's profound cultural heritage. From parades of decorated elephants, agile dancers, to traditional music, this festival connects us with the fascinating history and traditions of Sri Lanka and Buddhism.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Esala Perahera is a unifying experience that brings people together, both locals and tourists. Observing festive activities, sharing meals, or participating in dances allows us to connect with others, fostering community spirit and shared joy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>A pathway to spiritual reflection</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Esala Perahera is rooted in the reverence for the Sacred Tooth Relic and Lord Buddha's teachings. This festival provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection, allowing us to seek inner peace and wisdom.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Esala Full Moon Poya plays a significant role in Esala Perahera</h3><p class='facts-content'>Celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Esala (July/August), the Esala Full Moon Poya Day is significant in Buddhism and forms the basis for the Esala Perahera festival. This festival is often held on or around this full moon day, connecting it to a centuries-old lunar calendar.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Perahera elephants have extensive training and care</h3><p class='facts-content'>Elephants participating in the Esala Perahera undergo years of training and care to comfortably carry their majestic decorations and individuals, ensuring their well-being during the event with strict dietary regulation and veterinary supervision.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Esala Perahera has a specific procession order</h3><p class='facts-content'>The procession follows a particular order traditionally consisting of five main segments: the Kumbal Perahera, Devale Peraheras, Randoli Perahera, Maha Randoli, and Diya Kepeema. Each segment symbolizes unique spiritual themes and narratives.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Sacred Tooth Relic's container is a work of art</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Sacred Tooth Relic is held in a golden casket elaborately studded with jewels, displaying Sri Lanka's artistic heritage and craftsmanship. However, what the container holds is more valuable than any precious gem to the followers of Buddhism.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Esala Perahera has its own Fire Dance</h3><p class='facts-content'>One of the most thrilling parts of the festival is the fire dance, symbolizing the purification of path and mind, where skilled performers create rings of flame and cinders in the night with Kandyan fireball dancers leading the procession.</p></div></div>
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