The blowing of the Conch Shell is the traditional invocation at the commencement of any function and the drums are an integral part of the ritual. It is an ancient Sinhala custom to present ritual music when seeking the blessings of the Guardian of the land.
The female dancers carrying oil lamps are making an offering of their dancing skills to the Guardian Deities.
A dance sequence performed for general immunity from evil influences as well as for healing specific ailments. It is a part of a ceremony connected with folk believes. The vigorous movements of the dancers are derived from the dance forms of the Southern parts of Sri Lanka.
The female dancers depict the graceful movements of the peacock which according to mythology is the bird that transports Skanda, the War-God of Ceylon, worshipped by Buddhists and Hindus alike.
The name of the dance is derived from the musical instrument used, the pantheru, which is close akin to the tambourine. Rhythm is also provided by the accompanying drums. The dance itself shows Sinhala warriors on their way to battle.
A South Sri Lanka mask dance with the raksha masks symbolising the fight between a cobra and a bird. This dance is used to exorcise demons from the possessed and is still believed to be effective psychiatric treatment in Sri Lanka.
A dance popular in the all parts of the country, particularly during festivals in which both male and female dancers participate. Each dancer has two sticks and the sound of the sticks striking each other together with those of the accompanying drums provide the rhythm for the dancers.
A traditional folk dance which uses the Rabana, an instrument similar to the drum. The popular Ath Rabana (hand Rabana) is almost one foot in diameter and is both played and wielded in a variety of forms by the male and female dancers. Raban playing is accompanied by singing too.
A south Ceylon fire dance showing the power of charms over fire and the twenty seven devils that can trouble mankind. The absolute faith of the fire dancers protects them from the flames. This dance also includes fire-eating.
This dance is the one of the most important forms of Kandyan dance. Ves is the traditional attire of the Kandyan dancer. Sixty four ornaments complete the dress and traditionally their sheen symbolizes the rays of the sun. It takes years of rigorous training before a dancer can achieve the status of a fully-fledged ves dancer.
A traditional folk dance performed by village damsels to celebrate a rich harvest. The dance portrays sequences from reaping to winnowing of the grain. This is a buoyant dance providing ample opportunities for displaying feminine grace. It is performed to the accompaniment of light drum beats and the haunting strains of the flute.
The origin of fire walking can be traced back to the epic story of Rama and Sita. Ravana, the King of Ceylon, had abducted the princess of India, Sita. When Rama her husband (an Indian King) regained her, she proved her chastity during her enforced stay with Ravana, by walking on fire, barefoot and unhurt. The devotees who perform fire-walking seek the divine blessings of Lord Kataragama and Goddess Pattini before they do so.