Mahiyangana Esala Perahera
Mahiyangana, where tradition says the Buddha first came to Sri Lanka, holds its Esala perahera in August or September, with the Vedda community joining in.
According to the Sri Lankan chronicles, the Buddha first came to Sri Lanka nine months after his enlightenment, on the full moon of Duruthu, and the place he came to was Mahiyangana, on the banks of the Mahaweli river. The stupa of the Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara is said to enshrine a lock of the Buddha's hair, given to the god Saman, and it is one of the 16 most sacred Buddhist sites in the country.
Each year, the vihara and the nearby Saman devale hold their Esala perahera, usually in August or September. Over several nights the processions grow, with decorated elephants, drummers, whip crackers and dance troupes moving through the town. The final night, the Randoli perahera, is the grandest.
What makes the Mahiyangana perahera different from every other is the part played by the Vedda people, Sri Lanka's indigenous community, many of whom live in the Dambana area nearby. Vedda men walk in the procession in their traditional dress, and their chief, Uruwarige Wannila Aththo, attended in 2025. It is one of the very few public ceremonies where you can see the Vedda community taking part in their own way.
Mahiyangana is a quiet town most of the year, about two hours from Kandy over the hairpin bends of the 18 Bends road, and the large Sorabora Wewa reservoir is just outside town. Rooms are limited during the perahera, so book ahead or stay in Kandy.
The stupa has been enlarged by several kings. Tradition says a brother of King Devanampiya Tissa first raised it to 30 cubits, King Dutugemunu enlarged it to 80 cubits on his march to Anuradhapura, and it was rebuilt again under Vijayabahu I in the 11th century.
Mahiyangana sits in the dry zone, so August and September days are hot. Arrive before dark to find a place along the route and bring water. If you have time the next morning, the Vedda village at Dambana is a short drive away, and visiting with a local guide is the most respectful way to go.
At a glance
- When: Usually in August
- Duration: Several nights (August or September), ending with the Randoli perahera
- Venue: Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara and the Saman Devale, Mahiyangana
- Organizer: Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara
- Entry: Free