The 2026 Kandy Esala Perahera reached its traditional conclusion on Friday following the final Randoli Perahera, the ceremonial Diya Kepeema, or water-cutting ritual, and the closing observances in Kandy.
The water-cutting ceremony was held at the Mahaweli River at Gatambe on the morning of 28 August.
It followed the final Randoli Perahera, which proceeded through Kandy on Thursday night.
Traditional closing ceremonies
Following the final night procession, the traditional observances associated with the four principal Devalas - Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Pattini - continued as part of the closing ceremonies.
The water-cutting ritual is one of the longstanding ceremonial events marking the conclusion of the annual Esala Perahera.
The closing programme also included the daytime procession in Kandy and the customary formalities associated with informing the Head of State of the successful completion of the annual festival.
The 2026 programme had included the Kumbal and Randoli processions leading up to the final Randoli Perahera on 27 August.
A major Sri Lankan religious and cultural event
The Kandy Esala Perahera is centred on the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa and the associated Devala traditions.
The annual observance has deep religious and cultural significance and attracts large numbers of devotees, visitors and tourists to Kandy.
Its significance should therefore be understood primarily in its religious, historical and cultural context rather than solely as a tourism event.