04:40Hundreds of tourists flocked to the Sri Lankan city of Kandy on Sunday to witness the Esala Perahera (Festival of the Tooth), a vibrant and historic 10-day event that features the world-famous 'Randoli Perahera' parade.
Footage shows costumed performers cracking whips, beating drums and dancing with fire during the procession. Crowds of spectators are seen as dozens of elephants clad in traditional fabrics, and lights illuminate the streets.
"Many traditional dances of Sri Lanka are performed colourfully during the festival here. Also, many elephants from all parts of Sri Lanka participate," a local man said.
"The Esala Perahera procession at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy city is a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. This procession is the most colourful and beautiful," he added.
The festival is held in Kandy in either July or August every year. Rooted in centuries-old customs, the event pays homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha and serves as a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the oldest and grandest of all Buddhist festivals
The Randoli Perahera parade is believed to be a fusion of two separate but connected ancient processions, which are thought to date back to the 3rd century BC, while the Esala Perahera festival was brought from India to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD.
Fire and light! Dancers and drummers march with decorated elephants at Sri Lanka’s ancient 'Festival of the Tooth'
Hundreds of tourists flocked to the Sri Lankan city of Kandy on Sunday to witness the Esala Perahera (Festival of the Tooth), a vibrant and historic 10-day event that features the world-famous 'Randoli Perahera' parade.
Footage shows costumed performers cracking whips, beating drums and dancing with fire during the procession. Crowds of spectators are seen as dozens of elephants clad in traditional fabrics, and lights illuminate the streets.
"Many traditional dances of Sri Lanka are performed colourfully during the festival here. Also, many elephants from all parts of Sri Lanka participate," a local man said.
"The Esala Perahera procession at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy city is a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. This procession is the most colourful and beautiful," he added.
The festival is held in Kandy in either July or August every year. Rooted in centuries-old customs, the event pays homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha and serves as a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the oldest and grandest of all Buddhist festivals
The Randoli Perahera parade is believed to be a fusion of two separate but connected ancient processions, which are thought to date back to the 3rd century BC, while the Esala Perahera festival was brought from India to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD.
Hundreds of tourists flocked to the Sri Lankan city of Kandy on Sunday to witness the Esala Perahera (Festival of the Tooth), a vibrant and historic 10-day event that features the world-famous 'Randoli Perahera' parade.
Footage shows costumed performers cracking whips, beating drums and dancing with fire during the procession. Crowds of spectators are seen as dozens of elephants clad in traditional fabrics, and lights illuminate the streets.
"Many traditional dances of Sri Lanka are performed colourfully during the festival here. Also, many elephants from all parts of Sri Lanka participate," a local man said.
"The Esala Perahera procession at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy city is a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. This procession is the most colourful and beautiful," he added.
The festival is held in Kandy in either July or August every year. Rooted in centuries-old customs, the event pays homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha and serves as a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the oldest and grandest of all Buddhist festivals
The Randoli Perahera parade is believed to be a fusion of two separate but connected ancient processions, which are thought to date back to the 3rd century BC, while the Esala Perahera festival was brought from India to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD.