The annual Esala Perahera of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy started tonight, with the Kumbal Perahera and it will continue every night until Friday, August 12. The Randoli Perahera will commence on August 13 and end on Wednesday (17). The Esala festival will conclude with a water cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 18. Pix by Chamil Rupasinghe and L.B Senaratne