A Radiant Climax to the Esala Season: Kandy Esala Perahera 2025

Kandy, 9 August 2025 — At precisely 01:18 AM, the sacred Diya Kepeema or “water-cutting ceremony” began at the Mahaweli River in Getambe, as priests from the four devales—Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini—imbued the ritual with solemnity. A golden sword marked the ritual circle, and water from a golden ewer, collected the previous year, was ceremonially released, signaling the spiritual closure of the night’s proceedings.

By 2:19 PM, under the bright Kandyan sun, the Dahawal Perahera (day procession) commenced from the Asgiriya Gedige Raja Maha Viharaya, where custodians, monks, and devotees gathered in reverent anticipation. The daylight procession wound its way through the ancient streets, heading toward the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic).

The Maligawa Perahera then took center stage — led by whip-crackers, flag-bearers, drummers, and traditional dancers. The Peramuna Rala on the lead tusker announced the sacred arrival, followed by the majestic Maligawa Tusker carrying the golden casket of the Tooth Relic, draped in dazzling ceremonial cloth. The Diyawadana Nilame, in full regalia, followed as a symbol of state guardianship of the relic.

Behind them, the processions of the four guardian devales advanced in traditional order:

1. Natha Devale – embodying spiritual guidance and protection.

2. Vishnu Devale – representing divine protection of the land.

3. Kataragama Devale – honouring the warrior deity and national guardian.

4. Pattini Devale – venerating the goddess of purity, health, and protection.

A sacred three-time circumambulation of the Dalada Maligawa followed — echoing centuries-old ritual practice — before the Dalada Perahera ceremonially concluded.

With the completion of the Dalada Perahera, the 2025 Esala Perahera officially concluded with the Dawal Perahera, marking the final procession of this year’s festival. The Dawal Perahera, held in daylight after the water-cutting ceremony, symbolically closed the season — blending religious devotion with cultural splendour in a grand farewell to one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured traditions.