Kandyan Culture

The must-see event for tourists in Kandy is the traditional dance show put on at 5:30 every evening in the Kandyan Cultural Centre Hall -- on the other side of the Lake from my hotel. A number of my friends have visited Sri Lanka – some over 15 years ago. All saw the same Kandyan dances in the same venue. Now it was my turn.
We pulled up in front of the Hall at just after 5 p.m. along with numerous buses, vans and cars. Guides shepherded their charges to the ticket table where, along with our ticket, we were given a sheet of paper in the language of our choice. This was both our program and our explanation of what was to follow.
We then flowed into the auditorium and found our seats – wooden arm chairs – while fending off, or succumbing to, the temptations of souvenir sellers. Spectators chatted to their friends, readied their cameras and soon -- the conch shell blew.
I’ll let pictures and the words of “Programme English” describe to you what followed.
1. BLOWING OF THE CONCH SHELL AND DRUM ORCHESTRA
Traditional Welcome: The Orchestra has Five Traditional Instruments (PANCHA THURYA) Usually played three times. During the services at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic



2.POOJA DANCE
A Dance paying Homage to the DEITIES and the GURU (Dance Teachers)





3.PANTERU NETUM
The name off the Dance is Derived from the Instrument used. (PANTERU) This is a close akin to the Tambourine. The rhythm is provided by the accompanying Drums



4.COBRA DANCE
Depicts the movements of the Cobra, and the Taming of it by a Snake Charmer.





5.MASK DANCE
Low Country (South Sri Lanka) Mask Dance, showing the killing by the GARUDA (A Bird) of a Cobra. This is usually performed to drive away Evil Spirits It is still being used as a method of Psychiatric Treatment.





6.MAYURA WANNAMA
This Dance belongs to the Kandyan “VANNAM” Tradition. It shows the graceful movements and the ways of a PEACOCK.





7.RABAN DANCE
This Dance comprise of a Rhythmic Pattern, woven to the beat of a Single faced Drum, which is skillifully spun in the air and balanced in a group of several Drums. It is also accompanied by Ballad singing







8.VES DANCE
VES is the Traditional attire of the Kandyan Dancer, Sixty Four ornaments complete the Dress. It takes years of rigorous Training before a Dancer, can attain the status of a full fledge VES Dancer.



THE SRI LANKA NATIONAL ANTHEM (PLEASE STAND UP)



9.FIRE DANCE
Showing the power over FIRE

(This was performed on the floor in front of the stage. Those in the first rows kept their seats. The rest of us sat on the stage steps or went to the balcony.)
They set up.



They “danced"



10.FIRE WALKING
The Artistes get into a Trance and walks over burning coals. The Devotees who perform this act seeks the blessings of the Goddess PATHTHINI, before performing this Ritual.

The coals. I was close enough to feel the heat.



I was too close for a good picture but I tried.



An enjoyable hour. If you want to see a short medley of the dances, click here.

After a last round of applause, we drifted to the door and looked for our respective guides who were ready to take us on to our next event.