Large crowds gathered around Kandy’s historic Temple of the Tooth in Sri Lanka as the Esala Perahera Buddhist festival brought the city alive with a spectacular night-time procession featuring elaborately decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers and fire performers.
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The annual festival, held in honour of a relic believed to be one of the Buddha’s teeth, drew devotees and spectators who watched the colourful procession move through the streets of the central Sri Lankan city.
Decorated elephants lead grand procession
A procession of elephants adorned with intricate coverings and hundreds of lights formed one of the main attractions of the celebrations. The animals moved alongside performers carrying ceremonial flags and torches, creating a striking spectacle against the illuminated streets.
