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Culture & Traditions
Dalada Perahera vs Esala Perahera: What Is the Difference?
5 min read•August 11, 2026
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.
Therefore, all these names refer to the exact same legendary festival held in Kandy every year.