Dalada Perahera vs Esala Perahera: What Is the Difference?

When planning a trip to watch the Sri Dalada Maligawa procession in Sri Lanka, you may hear several names used interchangeably: Dalada Perahera, Esala Perahera, Kandy Perahera, or the Festival of the Tooth. Are they different events?

Here is a breakdown to help you understand the terminology surrounding this ancient festival.

The Linguistic and Cultural Meaning

In Sinhalese, the word **Perahera** simply translates to 'procession' or 'parade'. Many temples across Sri Lanka host their own Peraheras, but the one in Kandy is the largest.

• **Esala Perahera** refers to the lunar month of Esala (July-August) during which the festival is held.
• **Dalada Perahera** references the sacred object: 'Dalada' is the Sinhalese word for the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha.
• **Festival of the Tooth Kandy** or Kandy Perahera are English names commonly used by international tourists.

FAQ – Naming and Differences