The Esala Perahera in Kandy, one of the country’s oldest and grandest Buddhist festivals, began on 8 August and concluded on 18 August. The cultural and religious pageant is held annually to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic and invoke the blessings of the guardian deities (Sri Vishnu, Kataragama, Natha and Pathini of the four devalas). The Perahera is highlighted by five Kumbal Peraheras, four Randoli Peraheras and finally by the Day Perahera and Water Cutting Ceremony – Pix by Chamil Rupasinghe

Source : http://www.ft.lk/article/561895/Kandy-Esala-Perahera#sthash.iPEhzBYg.dpuf