Traditional Dance

Traditional dance forms in Sri Lanka can be dated back to 4th Century B.C. The folk dance of this country was influenced by the cultures of the Chola dynasty. Most of the dance forms of Sri Lanka owe their origin to different ancient rituals and ceremonies. Under influence of the local traditions of Sri Lanka, different dance forms also evolved. Some of the popular traditional dance forms in Sri Lanka are Kandyan dance, Pahatharata dance, Wanni dance and Sbaragamuwa dance.
Kandyan dance evolved during the time of Kandyan kings in Sri Lanka. This dance form often imitates the animal movements. The costumes of Kandyan dance are very colorful and majestic. The 4 main divisions of Kandyan dance are Ves, Naiyaki, Pantheru and Uddekki.
Pahatharata dance is a ritualistic dance form. It is believed that through performance of this dance, the evil spirits can be appeased. During performing Pahatharata dance, the dancers wear different types of masks.
The Wanni dance is another popular form of traditional dance in Sri Lanka. Singing and only a few dance steps are associated with Wanni dance. Many rituals are also associated with this dance form.
The Sbaragamuwa dance is mainly associated with worship of God Saman. This style of dance is adopted for about 32 main dances in Sri Lanka. This dance is also associated with a ritual known as Gam Maduwa.

Sri Lanka Traditional Dance: A Journey into Rhythmic Heritage

Sri Lanka’s traditional dance forms are deeply rooted in its history, culture, and spirituality, offering a vibrant display of the island's unique artistic heritage. The dances of Sri Lanka, dating back over a thousand years, are much more than just performances—they are sacred rituals, cultural expressions, and storytelling mediums passed down from one generation to another.

From the renowned Kandyan dance to the vibrant Sabaragamuwa and low-country dances, each region has its distinct style and character, influenced by history and local customs. This article takes you through the enchanting world of Sri Lankan traditional dance, highlighting key styles, festivals, and must-visit locations where you can experience these captivating performances up close.

A History of Sri Lankan Traditional Dance

Sri Lankan dance traditions are tied to ancient practices, stemming from rituals and religious ceremonies. These dances initially served as spiritual expressions or rituals performed to appease deities and ward off evil spirits. They also played a role in healing ceremonies, connecting deeply with Sri Lankan folklore and mythology.

Three main dance styles dominate Sri Lanka’s traditional dance landscape:

1. Kandyan Dance (Udarata Natum) - Originating in the hill country of Kandy.
2. Low Country Dance (Pahatharata Natum) - Rooted in the southern coastal regions.
3. Sabaragamuwa Dance (Sabaragamu Natum) - Associated with the Sabaragamuwa Province.

Each style is distinguished by unique movements, costumes, and musical accompaniments, allowing spectators to experience diverse facets of Sri Lankan culture.

Kandyan Dance: The Dance of the Kings

Kandyan dance, the most celebrated form of Sri Lankan traditional dance, originates from the hill country and is characterized by its majestic and vibrant movements. Legend suggests that this dance style developed in the 4th century when a dance troupe from India arrived to perform for a Sinhala king to exorcise evil spirits.

Kandyan dance is commonly featured in religious ceremonies and festivals, especially during the Esala Perahera in Kandy, which is Sri Lanka’s grandest cultural festival. Dancers perform wearing elaborate costumes with headdresses, breastplates, and ankle bells, moving gracefully to the beats of traditional drums, including the geta bera (a unique Kandyan drum).

Where to Experience Kandyan Dance:

• Kandy Cultural Centre: This center in Kandy hosts daily traditional dance performances where you can witness the elegance of Kandyan dance up close.
• Esala Perahera Festival: Held in July or August, the festival showcases Kandyan dance performances in a grand procession featuring decorated elephants, drummers, and fire dancers.
• Sri Dalada Maligawa: The Temple of the Tooth Relic often hosts Kandyan dance performances, adding to the cultural ambiance of this sacred site.

Low Country Dance: Energetic and Ritualistic

Low Country dance, rooted in Sri Lanka’s coastal regions, is rich in ritualistic meaning and is often performed to drive away evil spirits. Known as Pahatharata Natum, these dances typically involve elaborate masks and a hypnotic rhythm, creating an intense visual experience.

The Kolam and Raksha dances are two prominent forms of Low Country dance:

• Kolam Dance is a masked performance aimed at storytelling, often presenting social themes or comedic tales.
• Raksha Dance incorporates masks representing mythical demons and spirits. These masks, painted in vivid colors, represent creatures like the cobra, peacock, and monkey, each with its unique role.

Low Country dances are used in rituals such as the Devol Maduwa, a folk play performed to please the gods, and Gammaduwa, an offering to deities for a prosperous harvest.

Where to Experience Low Country Dance:

• Ambalangoda: This town is renowned for mask-making and is a central hub for Low Country dance. Many workshops and cultural centers here hold performances, giving visitors an immersive experience.
• Balapitiya: Another coastal town where traditional Low Country dance performances are regularly held, often in community festivals or village events.
• Galle: During the New Year festivities, Low Country dance is frequently performed in Galle, offering visitors a taste of traditional celebrations along the southern coast.

Sabaragamuwa Dance: A Blend of Sacred Rituals

Sabaragamuwa dance, though lesser-known than the Kandyan or Low Country styles, holds an essential place in Sri Lankan culture. It originated in the Sabaragamuwa Province and is often performed in ceremonies honoring gods and local deities, particularly God Saman, a deity venerated by the Sinhalese people.

Sabaragamuwa dance includes ritualistic performances used in healing ceremonies, and the movements are notably rhythmic and intense, reflecting the powerful nature of the region’s deities. Unlike Kandyan dance, the costumes in Sabaragamuwa dance are relatively simple, yet each element, from the fabric to the accessories, is chosen to evoke spirituality and reverence.

Where to Experience Sabaragamuwa Dance:

• Ratnapura: Known as the City of Gems, Ratnapura is the best place to experience Sabaragamuwa dance during local temple festivals and ceremonies held in honor of God Saman.
• Saman Devalaya: This temple hosts annual rituals where Sabaragamuwa dance is performed as part of the sacred festivities.

Dance Festivals and Events

Sri Lanka celebrates its dance heritage with numerous festivals and events throughout the year. These festivals offer visitors a unique opportunity to witness traditional dances in their cultural context:

1. Esala Perahera - Held in July or August in Kandy, this festival is a grand procession featuring Kandyan dancers, fire jugglers, whip-crackers, and elephants adorned in colorful attire. It’s a cultural spectacle that celebrates the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha.

2. Aluth Avurudu (New Year Festival) - Celebrated in April, the Sri Lankan New Year festival includes traditional dance performances across the country. Cities like Colombo, Galle, and Kandy host New Year celebrations that showcase a variety of dance forms.

3. Poson Poya - Observed in June, this religious festival commemorates the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Traditional dances are performed at various temples and pilgrimage sites, especially in Anuradhapura and Mihintale.

4. Kataragama Festival - Held in July, this festival in the southern town of Kataragama features Low Country dances and rituals honoring the deity Kataragama, drawing both locals and international visitors.

Immersive Itineraries for Dance Enthusiasts

To fully immerse in the world of Sri Lankan traditional dance, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Colombo Cultural Kick-off

• Morning: Visit the National Museum of Colombo for exhibits on the history and evolution of traditional dance in Sri Lanka.
• Evening: Attend a traditional dance performance at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre or a cultural center in Colombo.

Day 2: Kandy and Kandyan Dance

• Morning: Explore the Temple of the Tooth Relic and learn about the connection between Kandyan dance and Buddhist rituals.
• Evening: Witness an authentic Kandyan dance show at the Kandy Cultural Centre or at a special performance organized near the temple grounds.

Day 3: Ambalangoda and Low Country Dance

• Morning: Visit a mask workshop in Ambalangoda to learn about the craftsmanship behind the traditional Raksha and Kolam masks.
• Evening: Enjoy a Low Country dance performance, often held at local cultural centers or during village ceremonies.

Day 4: Sabaragamuwa and Ratnapura

• Morning: Visit Ratnapura, the heart of Sabaragamuwa dance, and the Saman Devalaya to learn about the region’s spiritual traditions.
• Evening: Experience a Sabaragamuwa dance performance at a temple or village gathering honoring local deities.

Preserving the Art of Traditional Dance

The cultural value of traditional dance in Sri Lanka cannot be overstated. In recent years, there has been a push to preserve these dance forms, with organizations and cultural bodies working to ensure that the younger generations appreciate and learn these ancient traditions. Dance schools across the country, particularly in Kandy and Colombo, offer training to budding dancers, and international collaborations have also helped bring Sri Lankan dance forms to global audiences.