Hey Alex There are three main perahera festivals in Sri Lanka. These are as follows. The Duruthu Perahera (Kelaniya) held in January Navam Perahera (Colombo) held in February And the Esala Perahera (Kandy) held in August In addition the country has a whole host of minor perahera's of various temples throughout the year. Cheers

The Duruthu Perahara, held at the Raja Maha Vihara temple in Kelaniya, 8 km (5 miles) out side Colombo, is second only to the Kandy Perahara in september. Held annually in January , it commemorates the first visit of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka. The Duruthu Perahera has taken place since 1927 and celebrates Lord Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka more than 2500 years ago, attracting hundreds of thousands of people to the sacred Kelaniya Temple in Colombo. In commemoration of this visit a procession (perahera) is held for three nights in the month of January at Kelaniya. It is a colourful pageant with elephants, dancers and drummers, whip crackers attracting thousands of spectators. It comprises three perahera (processions) featuring costumed actors, dancers, musicians, devotees dressed in white and elephants. The first procession, "Udamaluwa" Perahera, starts on the upper terrace of the temple with the ritual handing over of a sacred casket. Cannon fire marks the beginning of the parade and the casket is carefully placed on a colourful cushion. The second procession, "Pahathamaluwa" Perahera, is more colourful but continues with the elephants carrying the sacred casket and divine insignia. The festival reaches its climax with the "Randoli" Perahera, the most magnificent of the processions, held on the day prior to the January full moon. For more info see http://www.kelaniyatemple.com/perahera/ Cheers

Hey Alex Duruthu Perahera is in Colombo, not Kandy. It is one of the full moon festivals, with Kelaniya Temple beign a central gathering spot in Colombo. Wondering if anyone has been?

Are you sure it's in Colombo? The Perahera festival usually takes place in Kandy. I wasn't there at the right time for it - but it looks amazing!! All those painted & decorated elephants - awesome! :-)