The Dahawal Perahera, also known as the Day Procession, is a significant component of the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Taking place annually, the Dahawal Perahera is a spectacle of color, music, dance, and tradition, set under the bright and warming rays of the sun. This year, the event will be held on 31st August 2023.

The Day Procession is a mirrored reflection of the nighttime parades, or Randoli Peraheras, occurring during the festival. The ceremony is still a splendid and vibrant celebration, but under the contrasting backdrop of daylight, the ambiance is entirely different, offering a unique perspective to spectators.

Like its nighttime counterpart, the Dahawal Perahera features a host of performers. These include traditional Kandyan dancers, acrobats, fire-breathers, whip-crackers, and musicians playing drums and flutes, creating a rhythmic symphony that fills the air.

The most awaited sight, however, remains the convoy of beautifully adorned elephants. At the lead is the majestic royal tusker, carrying the golden casket containing a replica of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Decorated in colorful, intricate caparisons, these elephants are a sight to behold against the daylight backdrop.

The Dahawal Perahera, despite occurring under the sun, loses none of the reverence and sanctity of the festival. The procession still aims to honor and venerate the Sacred Tooth Relic, seeking blessings for the people and the land.

Whether a local devotee or a visiting tourist, the Dahawal Perahera offers a memorable cultural and spiritual experience, an opportunity to witness the grandeur of Sri Lankan traditions, and to appreciate the profound devotion of its people towards their Buddhist heritage. Mark your calendars for 31st August 2023, and join in this vibrant celebration.