evidence: Of these, the most important is the Esala Mangallaya for which the Dalada Perahera is one of the most colourful and vibrant cultural celebrations in Sri Lanka. Esala, according to the Sinhalese Calendar, is the month of July/August This is the month in which Kandy gets into a festive mood. Shopkeepers and hoteliers pile up their stock to cater to the massive crowds that throng the city. Maligawa and its premises are gaily decorated and are illuminated with strings of lights, including the esplanade. [...] The Kandy Easala Perahera (Sri Dalada Perahera) will be held on 10th August to 20th August 2024. There are 11 perahera processions during these days. The most vibrant perahera is the Final Randoli Perehera procession on 19th August 2024. [...] The Esala Perahera proper begins as the cannon booms. Leading the Perahera is the band of whip crackers who crack their whips in a rhythmic pattern announcing it that the Esala Perahera is on. Immediately following are two o flag bearers carrying the two flags of the Sathara Korale (known as Ira Kodiya) embossed with the symbols of the sun and the moon indicating the wish that this Perahera be held until the sun and the moon last. Next comes the Peramunerala, attired in the traditional white dress and riding a caparisoned elephant and carrying the sannasa, the royal charter to hold the Perahera. Following him is the Gajanayake, the Maligawa official in charge of the elephants, elegantly dressed in traditional Kandyan dress carrying the ankusaya the instrument by which elephants are controlled.