Kumbal and Randoli Peraheras

Ten Nights, Two Phases

Once the planting of the sacred pole (the kap) has been completed and the devale processions have walked within their own grounds for five nights, the public procession through Kandy's streets begins. It runs for ten nights in two stages.

Kumbal Perahera: The First Five Nights

The Kumbal Perahera is the opening stage, and is, in popular description, dedicated to the potter (kumba means pot in Sinhala). It is smaller in scale than what follows, with fewer elephants and thinner crowds, and is worth attending for visitors who prefer a measured introduction.

Randoli Perahera: The Next Five Nights

The Randoli Perahera takes its name from the ornate palanquins (randoli) of the devale queens, which join the procession from this phase on; it is dedicated, in popular description, to a golden queen. Each night is larger than the one before, with more elephants, dancers and drummers, and the final night, the Maha Randoli, is the longest and most colourful of the festival. After it, in the early hours, comes the water-cutting ceremony (see Diya Kepeema), and a Day Perahera follows in the afternoon.

The Route

The procession leaves the Sri Dalada Maligawa and traces a circuit of roughly three kilometres through the centre of Kandy before returning to the temple. The streets that make up the route include Temple Street, Dalada Veediya, Colombo Street, D. S. Senanayake Veediya, Yatinuwara Veediya and Kotugodella Veediya. The exact route and the direction of travel are set each year by the Maligawa and differ from night to night.

Dates and Timing

The Maligawa sets an auspicious time (nekath) for each night and announces the schedule a few months ahead. As a rule the procession starts in the early evening. In 2026 the nights run from 18 to 27 August, with the water-cutting on 28 August; in 2027 the expected pattern is 7 to 11 August for Kumbal, 12 to 16 August for Randoli, and the water-cutting on 17 August, subject to the Maligawa's announcement.

Where to See It

On the Kumbal nights, free standing places along the route are easier to find. On the Randoli nights, and especially the final night, viewing places and balconies sell out far ahead, and standing places fill hours before the procession starts. Whichever night you choose, the procession reaches any one viewing point later than its start time, as it takes time to pass.

Visitor Tips

Book ticketed seats early for Randoli nights, arrive hours before the start, and bring water and a rain layer. Plan in advance how you will get back to your hotel after the procession.