Kandy Esala Perahera's Randoli procession set to commence tonight

The first Randoli Perahera of the Kandy Esala Perahera festival will take to the streets of the ancient hill city tonight, signalling the commencement of the month-long celebrations honouring the sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. The Randoli Perahera, characterised by its vibrant pageantry and elaborate decorations, traditionally precedes the grandeur of the main Mahaela Perahera processions. The evening procession will feature traditional drummers, torch-bearers, and decorated elephants that form an integral part of the centuries-old festival. Crowds are expected to gather along the designated routes through Kandy's main streets to witness the spectacle. The Esala Perahera, one of Asia's oldest and largest religious processions, continues to draw devotees and visitors from across the island and abroad each year during the months of July and August. The festival represents a significant occasion in the Buddhist calendar and remains deeply embedded in Kandyan cultural traditions.