Kandyan Dance

Kandyan Dance in Sri Lanka mainly originated in Kandy. This dance form became popular during the rule of the Kandyan kings in Sri Lanka and has been recognized as the national dance of the country. The performances are arranged based on stories of different rulers. It also depicts scenes from the epic Ramayana. Kandyan Dance can be divided into 4 main categories: Ves, Naiyaki, Pantheru and Uddekki. The 18 vannamas of this dance form represent movements of animals through dance steps.
The costumes used by the performers for Kandyan Dance are very striking. Decorative head gear is also worn by the performers during the dance. They also wear silver angles as part of the costume. A Kandyan Dance is generally accompanied by a drum which is known as Geta Beraya. Thalampota or a kind of cymbals is also played to accompany the dance. Originally the Kandyan Dance in Sri Lanka allowed only male dancers to participate. But later different schools also started training women dancers.
Among Kandyan Dance the Ves dance is the most popular one. This dance form has originated from an ancient ritual known as Kohomba Yakuma. The Uddekki dance has derived its name after a small hand drum of the same name. It is believed that this drum has been given by the gods. During the performance, the dancers sing as they play the drum.
Pantheru dance is performed in accompaniment of an instrument known as the pantheruwa. According to mythologies it is believed that this musical instrument was played when gods won any battles. Sinhala kings also patronized Pantheru dance to celebrate their victories in war. Naiyandi dance is performed just before Kohomba Kankariya festival starts. The performers for this dance dress in beautifully decorated costumes.

Kandyan Dance: A Rhythmic Journey into Sri Lankan Tradition

Kandyan dance, a strikingly powerful and elegant art form, is one of Sri Lanka's most vibrant cultural treasures. Originating in the Kandy region, this traditional dance reflects the island’s rich history, religious practices, and communal pride. For visitors, experiencing Kandyan dance performances is an immersive way to connect with Sri Lankan heritage and understand the artistic expression of its people.

A Glimpse into the Origins of Kandyan Dance

Kandyan dance traces its roots back to ancient Sinhalese rituals and was primarily performed by male dancers to worship gods and dispel evil spirits. Its origins are often associated with the Kohomba Kankariya, an ancient ritual dance-drama used to appease spirits and bring blessings upon villages. Over the centuries, Kandyan dance evolved from its ritualistic beginnings into a popular art form celebrated for its beauty and expressiveness.

During the Kandyan Kingdom’s height in the 18th century, the dance became closely linked with the Buddhist religion and royal ceremonies. Today, Kandyan dance is a prominent part of Sri Lankan cultural festivals, especially the annual Esala Perahera in Kandy, and is widely performed across the island.

Distinctive Features of Kandyan Dance

What makes Kandyan dance unique is its blend of athleticism and artistry. The dances are marked by leaps, twists, and rhythmic footwork, each movement conveying a deep connection to the earth and divine forces. Dancers wear elaborate costumes and jewelry, each symbolizing historical and cultural meanings.

Costume and Accessories

The Kandyan dance costume is visually captivating and steeped in symbolism. Male dancers wear a ves costume, a traditional outfit that includes a striking silver headpiece, a red and white sarong, and intricate silver jewelry. The headgear, or ves, is thought to be sacred and can only be worn by trained dancers, as it signifies the blessing of the dance deity Kohomba.

Music and Rhythm

Kandyan dance performances are accompanied by traditional instruments, primarily the geta beraya, a special type of drum that produces a distinctive and resonant sound. The rhythm of the geta beraya, along with other percussion instruments like the thammattama (small twin drums) and horanewa (flute), guides the dancers and creates an intense, almost hypnotic atmosphere. The chanting and rhythmic beats are essential elements, adding layers of cultural depth to the dance.

Experiencing Kandyan Dance: Ground-Level Insight

For those visiting Sri Lanka, witnessing a live Kandyan dance performance is a culturally enriching experience. Several venues, cultural shows, and annual festivals across the island offer visitors the chance to see the dance up close.

1. Esala Perahera: The Grand Display of Kandyan Dance

The Esala Perahera in Kandy, held annually in July or August, is one of the best opportunities to experience Kandyan dance in its most majestic form. During this festival, dancers perform alongside elaborately adorned elephants, fire dancers, and drummers in a magnificent procession dedicated to the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha.

As dancers move to the beat of drums, their expressions and energy reflect the centuries-old traditions that remain alive within them. Watching Kandyan dance at the Esala Perahera is awe-inspiring as it takes place under the open sky, with the temple illuminated and thousands of spectators gathered.

Ground-level experience: Feeling the vibrations of the drums and watching the dancers in synchronization creates an unforgettable, immersive experience that connects spectators to the devotion and artistry of Kandyan culture.

2. Kandy Cultural Centre: An Intimate Setting for Dance Performances

For a more intimate viewing, the Kandy Cultural Centre hosts daily Kandyan dance performances where visitors can appreciate the details of each move and costume. Set in a theater-like environment, the cultural center offers a close-up experience that is less crowded than the grand festivals but equally impactful.

In this setting, visitors can observe the dancers’ facial expressions and precise hand movements, which tell stories of gods, mythical heroes, and ancient beliefs. Dancers sometimes invite the audience to try basic steps, allowing them a hands-on encounter with the rhythm and movement of Kandyan dance.

Experience highlight: Visitors can sit close to the stage, allowing them to fully absorb the intricate details of each costume and the intense focus of the dancers. The cultural center also provides background information, enriching the experience with a deeper understanding of each dance segment.

3. Cultural Performances Across Tourist Areas

Kandyan dance is not limited to Kandy. Many tourist destinations, including Colombo, Sigiriya, and Negombo, offer cultural performances where Kandyan dance is featured. Hotels and cultural centers frequently host evening shows, making it convenient for travelers to enjoy a performance after a day of sightseeing.

Ground-level experience: In these settings, the dancers often incorporate fire acts and other dance forms to enhance the performance, providing tourists with an accessible yet authentic glimpse into traditional Sri Lankan art forms.

Popular Kandyan Dance Forms

Kandyan dance consists of several styles, each with unique features, rhythms, and meanings. Here are some popular types that visitors may encounter during performances:

Ves Dance

The Ves dance is the heart of Kandyan dance, performed by trained male dancers who wear the iconic headgear. This dance is associated with invoking blessings, and every step and movement has a symbolic connection to Buddhist rituals. The ves costume itself is thought to be a blessing, and performers treat the ves dance with the utmost respect and dedication.

Pantheru Dance

The Pantheru dance involves dancers holding a circular frame with small cymbals, known as the pantheruwa. This dance requires excellent rhythm and coordination as the dancer skillfully plays the pantheruwa while executing dynamic footwork. The Pantheru dance was historically performed as a martial dance, symbolizing strength and agility.

Naiyandi Dance

The Naiyandi dance is performed during religious ceremonies and often involves slower, more graceful movements compared to the vigorous ves dance. The dancers are adorned in brightly colored costumes, and their movements convey a sense of reverence and devotion.

Udarata and Sabaragamuwa Dance Styles

Kandyan dance also incorporates elements from the Udarata (up-country) and Sabaragamuwa dance traditions, each adding regional flavors to the performance. These dance forms are more folk-oriented and showcase the diversity within Sri Lankan dance culture.

Suggested Itineraries to Explore Kandyan Dance in Sri Lanka

For those interested in experiencing Kandyan dance within a broader cultural journey, here are some recommended itineraries:

1. Kandy Heritage Tour

• Morning: Begin your day at the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy to experience the morning Pooja.
• Afternoon: Visit the Royal Palace of Kandy and the National Museum to gain insights into the history of the Kandyan Kingdom.
• Evening: Attend a Kandyan dance performance at the Kandy Cultural Centre or another cultural show venue nearby.

This itinerary provides a full-day immersion into Kandy’s culture, ending with a mesmerizing Kandyan dance show.

2. Esala Perahera Festival Experience

If visiting during July or August, plan your trip around the Esala Perahera festival to see Kandyan dance at its grandest.

• Day 1: Explore the city of Kandy and its attractions, such as the Botanic Gardens and Kandy Lake.
• Day 2: Attend the Esala Perahera, watching the procession in the evening when the energy of the event peaks.
• Day 3: Visit nearby sites like Sigiriya or Dambulla, where cultural performances may also be available, adding more to your experience.

The Perahera experience, combined with local sightseeing, makes for an unforgettable journey into Sri Lankan culture.

3. Cultural Dance Circuit in Sri Lanka

For dance enthusiasts, this multi-day itinerary covers various forms of Sri Lankan traditional dance beyond Kandy:

• Day 1-2: Start in Kandy for Kandyan dance at a local cultural show.
• Day 3: Travel to Anuradhapura to explore ancient ruins and encounter folk dances associated with rural Sri Lankan culture.
• Day 4-5: Head to Colombo for a contemporary cultural performance showcasing Kandyan dance with modern twists, available at certain theaters.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Dress Appropriately: Many venues, especially religious sites, have dress codes, so modest clothing is recommended.
• Arrival Time: For festivals like the Esala Perahera, arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
• Camera Use: Be mindful of photography restrictions, particularly during rituals or temple performances.
• Etiquette: Avoid touching the dancers' costumes and maintain respectful silence during performances, especially when prayers or rituals are involved.

Kandyan Dance: A Living Cultural Legacy

Kandyan dance is more than just an art form; it’s a living tradition that embodies the spirit of Sri Lankan heritage. Whether performed in a grand procession like the Esala Perahera or in a small cultural center, each Kandyan dance performance tells a story of resilience, artistry, and spiritual devotion.

For visitors, Kandyan dance offers a window into the heart of Sri Lanka—a place where ancient practices continue to flourish, shared openly with the world as a testament to the island’s enduring cultural richness. By witnessing these performances firsthand, travelers not only gain insight into Sri Lankan customs but also become part of a centuries-old tradition that connects the past with the present in beautiful harmony.