Drummers perform during a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. (Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua)
KANDY, Sri Lanka, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Performers in traditional customs dancing and playing drums to celebrate the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Esala Perahera, one of the grandest Buddhist festivals with a history of more than 1,000 years, was held from July 30 to Aug. 9 this year.
Dancers perform during a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. (Ajith Perera/Xinhua)
Drummers perform during a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. (Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua)
A dancer performs during a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. (Ajith Perera/Xinhua)
A dancer performs during a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. (Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua)
A fire dancer performs during a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. (Ajith Perera/Xinhua)
A decorated elephant participates in a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. (Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua)
Dancers perform during a procession celebrating the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Aug. 4, 2025. (Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua)■