Start of 2025 Dalada Esala Perahera — Kumbal Perahera Begins

📰 Start of 2025 Dalada Esala Perahera — Kumbal Perahera Begins

Kandy, Sri Lanka – 30 July 2025
The annual Dalada Esala Perahera began with the Kumbal Perahera, marking the opening of one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred and historic festivals. Held at the revered Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), the procession was led by Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara, upholding centuries of tradition.

The majestic tusker Indiraja, beautifully adorned in ceremonial attire, carried the golden casket representing the Sacred Tooth Relic. The streets of Kandy transformed into a living tapestry of light, sound, and devotion, as drummers, torchbearers, dancers, and cultural performers created an unforgettable atmosphere of reverence and celebration.

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🔹 What is the Kumbal Perahera?

The Kumbal Perahera is the first phase of the Esala Perahera and spans five nights. It features processions from the four guardian devales—Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini—who accompany the sacred casket. These processions are smaller in scale compared to the later Randoli Perahera, and often include younger elephants and novice dancers.

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🗓️ 2025 Esala Perahera Schedule

Phase	Dates	Highlights
Kumbal Perahera	30 July – 3 August	Opening nights with traditional dancers, drummers, torchbearers, and tuskers
Randoli Perahera	4 August – 8 August	The grandest processions, showcasing royal tradition and elaborate costumes
Diya Kapeema & Dahawal Perahera	9 August	Sacred water-cutting ritual and final daytime procession

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🎭 Cultural Highlights

• Elephant Pageantry: Tuskers like Indiraja carry the sacred casket, adorned with illuminated garments and headdresses.

• Traditional Drumming & Dance: The sound of Geta Bera and Ves dancers energizes the night, accompanied by fire dancers, whip-crackers, and Kandyan musicians.

• Sacred Rituals: The procession begins following the Kap Situweema, a ritual where symbolic jackfruit branches are planted at each devale.

• Spiritual Unity: Though rooted in Buddhism, the Perahera also honors Hindu deities, symbolizing harmony across faiths.

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🛕 Historical Significance

The Dalada Esala Perahera dates back over 1,600 years, believed to have originated as a way to invoke rain and blessings for the kingdom. The Sacred Tooth Relic, brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century, became a national symbol of sovereignty. Today, the Perahera continues to reflect the spiritual and cultural identity of the island, blending deep devotion with artistic performance.

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