In Sri Lanka, the annual Kandy Esala Perahara is being celebrated with deep devotion at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. The sacred tooth relic which is believed to have mystic powers was sent from India in the fourth century AD and since then it has been worshipped as the living Lord Buddha in the island nation. Devotees have reached Kandy to get a glimpse of the sacred relic during the 10-day-long pageant.
 
As per some accounts, the perahara concept became popular during the reign of Emperor Asoka.
 
The celebration, which culminates on 30th of August, involves daily processions and features various Hindu devatas, dances, performances of drum beaters, whip crackers, and Magnificent Tuskers atop whom the sacred casket is moved.
 
It is believed that the festival is one of the various symbols of the shared heritage of Buddhism that binds India and Sri Lanka