The Esala Perahera is the most significant ceremony among the four principal festivals (Satara Mangallaya) of the Gadaladeniya. The annual Esala Perahera of Gadaladeniya traditionally begins with the Kapa Planting Ceremony, which is conducted at the Gadaladeniya Vishnu Devalaya by the customary officials of the Devalaya. This sacred ritual takes place at the same auspicious time as the Kapa planting performed at the four main Devalayas of the Kandy Esala Perahera.
Accordingly, in 2025, the Kapa planting ritual was held on 25th July at 6.05 a.m., marking the formal commencement of the Esala Perahera season.
Accordingly, in 2025, the Kapa planting ritual was held on 25th July at 6.05 a.m., marking the formal commencement of the Esala Perahera season.
The festival continued with the Ethul Perahera (Inner Procession), which began on 6th September and was conducted for five consecutive days within the Devalaya premises. This was followed by the Kumbal Perahera, held from 11th September for another five days, drawing large numbers of devotees and spectators.
The grand Randoli Perahera commenced on 16th September. On 19th and 20th September, the Randoli Perahera was conducted jointly with the Perahera of the Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya, reaching its magnificent climax on 20th September, the Grand Randoli Procession. A majestic tusker from the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Sinharāja, carried the Sacred Relic Casket, accompanied by a splendid display of traditional Kandyan dances, drummers, and cultural performers, creating a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.
Following the night procession, the sacred Water-Cutting Ceremony (Diya Kapeema) was performed at dawn on 21st September at the banks of the Getame Mahaweli River. The festival concluded with the Day Perahera, symbolically marking the successful completion of the Esala Perahera.