Kandyan Dancers- majestic display of vigour and grace showcasing traditional dance in Sri Lanka
Written by worldtraveler on November 27th, 2009
Kandyan dancers are deeply rooted in traditions and rituals. Their dances are executed with graceful vigour and their costumes are elaborate and dazzling, thereby captivating the audience and transporting them back to ancient times.
Kandy, the English name for the ancient city of Maha Nuwara, is said to have been established in the 14th century CE. It became the capital of Sri Lanka in 1592 up until British rule in the 1800’s. Kandy is also home to the famous Temple of the Tooth, said to be from Buddha’s very own body after his passing. .
This picturesque yet close knit city is situated in the cool hill country, in what is known as Kandy Valley. The valley is awash with tropical vegetation with tea plantations dotted around the hillscape.
Kandy has a vibrant cultural past full of traditions, royalty, and Buddhism. The city has provided Sri Lanka with many unique cultural identities, one of which is Kandyan Dancing. This graceful yet strong dance form originated from a centuries old exorcism ritual known as Kohomba Kankariya that was originally performed by shamans.
It is said that a King who suffered terrible nightmares caused by black magic called upon the shamans to help cure him of his ails. Stories note that the Kohomba Kankariya ritual was performed and the king was cured of his terrible visions. After the successful exorcism, the ritual was adopted by the Kandyan people.
Gradually the ritual evolved into a dance form and divulged from the Kandyan Feudal caste system to be embraced by the general public interested in the dancing style. During British rule the dance form waned until it was brought back into the public spotlight when it was adapted for the stage by Chitrasena Dias a famous Sri Lankan dancer who is noted for introducing traditional Sri Lankan dances to the international community.
Kandyan Dancers incorporate both male and female performers with the latter taking on the style at a later stage. Kandyan dancing costumes are simple yet elaborate whilst taking into consideration functionality. Dancers are adorned with dazzling head gear, vibrant beaded chest plates, and anklets with jinglers to name a few of the intricate costumes characteristics.
Kandyan Dancing comprises of five different styles or performances, in some instances dancers are made to play an instrument while dancing at the same time. For instance, in the Uddekki dance, named after the hourglass shaped drum known as the Uddekki, performers are tasked with singing, dancing and playing the instrument. The Uddekki is said to be of holy origins and its construction was presided over by the gods. The small drum comprises of an hour glass shape, with two drum skins on either end connected by interlaced string. It is said to be a rather difficult instrument to play with the performer tightening the strings to evoke different sounds from the drum skins.
Visitors to the island wishing to come and observe this ancient dance form will not be disappointed by the host of Kandy accommodation on offer to suit their requirements. Those from the John Keells Hotel Group in particular are ones to note. Providing a wide array of lodging options coupled with excellent services and amenities, Sri Lanka hotels created by the John Keells Hotels Group are the ideal choice for both holiday makers and business travellers.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
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