Kandyan Dancers in Sri Lanka

Kandyan dance is a traditional dance form that originated in Sri Lanka's Kandyan kingdom and is now a prominent feature of Sri Lankan culture. The dance is characterized by its graceful movements, colorful costumes, and the use of intricate hand gestures and footwork. The dance is typically accompanied by traditional music played on drums, flutes, and other instruments. Kandyan dance is often performed at cultural events, festivals, and religious ceremonies in Sri Lanka.

The origins of Kandyan dance can be traced back to the 16th century when the Kandyan kingdom was established in Sri Lanka. The dance was initially performed by the royal court as a form of entertainment for the king and his guests. Over time, it evolved into a popular form of dance that was performed by both men and women. Today, Kandyan dance is considered a symbol of Sri Lankan culture and is an essential part of the country's identity.

In conclusion, the Kandyan dancers play a significant role in Sri Lanka's famous Esala Perahera festival. The festival is a grand procession that takes place in the city of Kandy and attracts thousands of tourists from around the world. The Kandyan dancers perform alongside other participants, such as drummers, fire-eaters, and elephants, during the procession. The dance performances during the festival are a spectacular display of skill and artistry, with the dancers wearing traditional costumes and masks. The festival is not just a cultural event but also has deep religious significance and is a way of paying homage to the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.

Kandyan dance is known for its intricate hand movements and footwork. The dancers use their hands to create complex patterns and gestures that convey various emotions and ideas. The footwork is also highly stylized and requires a great deal of skill and practice to master. The dance is typically performed in traditional costumes, which include brightly colored sarongs and jackets for men and elaborate dresses for women.

One of the most striking aspects of Kandyan dance is the use of masks. The masks are worn by the dancers to represent different characters and emotions, such as gods, demons, and animals. The masks are often highly detailed and are crafted by skilled artisans. They are an essential part of the dance and add to its visual appeal.

Kandyan dance is also closely associated with Buddhism, which is the dominant religion in Sri Lanka. Many of the dances are performed as offerings to the gods and are an important part of religious ceremonies. The dance is also used to tell stories from Buddhist mythology and to teach moral lessons.

In conclusion, Kandyan dance is a beautiful and intricate dance form that is an essential part of Sri Lankan culture. Its origins can be traced back to the Kandyan kingdom in the 16th century, and it has since evolved into a popular form of dance that is performed at cultural events, festivals, and religious ceremonies. The dance is known for its graceful movements, intricate hand gestures and footwork, and the use of colorful costumes and masks. It is closely associated with Buddhism and is used to tell stories from Buddhist mythology and to teach moral lessons.

Kandian dancers in Kandy Esala Perahera 

The Kandyan dancers play a significant role in Sri Lanka's famous festival, the Esala Perahera, which is a grand procession that takes place in the city of Kandy during the month of July or August. The festival is one of the oldest and most colorful cultural events in Sri Lanka, and it attracts thousands of tourists from around the world every year.

During the Esala Perahera, the Kandyan dancers perform alongside hundreds of other participants, including drummers, fire-eaters, and elephants. The procession begins with the traditional Kumbal Perahera, which features dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants walking through the streets of Kandy. The dance performances during this part of the festival are a spectacular display of skill and artistry, with the dancers wearing traditional costumes and elaborate headdresses.

The second part of the procession is the Randoli Perahera, which takes place over several nights and is the most elaborate and grandest part of the festival. The Kandyan dancers play a central role during the Randoli Perahera, performing intricate dance routines and displaying their skills with the traditional costumes and masks. The dancers are accompanied by drummers, flute players, and other musicians, creating a mesmerizing and captivating atmosphere.

The Esala Perahera is not just a cultural event but also has deep religious significance. The festival honors the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, which is kept in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. The procession is a way of paying homage to the tooth relic and seeking blessings from the gods. The Kandyan dancers, with their graceful movements and traditional costumes, add to the spiritual and cultural significance of the festival.