Culture and Customs
As part of the land that is home to the Smiling People, the dwellers of Kandy enjoy a lifestyle that is unique, humble, artistic, entertaining as well as heart warming. There is something about Kandy that touches you - especially the centuries-old hospitality and the generous people. The proximity of the social life of the people with the Buddhist religion as well as the dance forms, art and music contribute to the fusion of the travelers with the spirit of the natives, and thereby, of Kandy.
In the early 19th century, the British introduced democracy, modern education, the legislative body and the commercial system of agriculture. The Kandy of today is a mirror of its own ancient and modern cultures which is a far cry from the life in the cities. The distant villages in this tiny island country beckon the visitor to return again and again. Kandy is a land of immense social diversity as there are people involved in software engineering to traditional farmers using buffaloes to work in the paddy fields. The local festivals of Kandy are a delight as well.
Kandy is very popular due to the annual festival known as the Esala Perahera held in June, in which one of the inner caskets used for covering the tooth relic of Buddha is taken in a grand procession through the streets of the city. This casket is taken on a royal tusker. The procession includes ethnic dance performances and drummers. This ceremony attracts large crowds from all parts of the country and also many foreign tourists. A variety of other religiously-oriented festivals run throughout the year with the monthly full-moon celebrations always worthy of attending.