Traditional Kandyan Dance and Drumming

Kandyan dance and drumming represent the heartbeat of Sri Lanka's cultural identity—a tradition that's survived centuries of change and continues to captivate audiences worldwide. If you've ever watched the Kandy Esala Perahera or seen performers in their gleaming silver ornaments, you've witnessed one of our nation's most treasured art forms. This ancient ritual, born from legend and shaped by history, tells the story of our people and remains deeply woven into our spiritual and cultural fabric.

The Ancient Origins: From Sacred Ritual to National Symbol

The roots of Kandyan dance stretch back approximately 2,500 years, originating from a sacred purification ritual called the Kohomba Kankariya.^[1]^[2] According to legend, this ritual was first performed to break a spell on a bewitched king, with dancers and musicians journeying from "Malaya Rata" to cure the monarch of a mysterious illness.^[1] The name itself comes from Kohomba, a deity believed to still inspire the Ves dance performed today.

What began as a spiritual healing ceremony evolved into one of the most elaborate and revered traditional rituals in Sri Lanka. The Kohomba Kankariya itself is an all-night event that commences in the evening and continues into the following morning, consisting of more than thirty discrete acts, each designed to invoke the blessings of twelve deities.^[3] This wasn't simply entertainment—it was a sacred obligation, a way of seeking peace, prosperity, and divine protection for households, villages, and the entire nation.

Royal Patronage and Cultural Flourishing

The dance flourished dramatically under the patronage of the Kandyan kings from the 16th through the 19th centuries.^[1] During this period, Kandyan dance developed into a sophisticated art form combining dance, drumming, chanting, and dramatic performances. A pivotal moment came in the early 18th century when the King of Kandy invited dancers and musicians from Kerala in South India to his court, adding new dimensions and enriching the existing traditions.^[1]

The dancers themselves occupied a special place in Kandyan society. Originally performed by dancers identified as a separate caste under the Kandyan feudal system, they were aligned to the Temple of the Tooth and played a significant role in the Dalada Perahera procession held annually by the temple.^[4] This connection to our most sacred Buddhist site underscores the spiritual importance of the art form.

The Music: Percussion as the Soul of the Dance

You can't separate Kandyan dance from its drumming—the two are inseparable, like rhythm and breath. Kandyan dance is traditionally performed to percussion only, creating a soundscape that's distinctive and unmistakably ours.^[4]

The Traditional Drums

The most iconic drum is the Geta Beraya, used exclusively in Kandyan dance.^[4] This distinctive drum is slung with straps at the stomach level of the white-and-red costumed and turbaned drummer, and is played with both hands.^[3] The right-hand membrane is tauter than the left, producing a louder, higher tone, giving the drum an infinite variety of tones.^[3]

Other percussion instruments include:

Thalampota – a small pair of cymbals that assist the dancer in keeping rhythm^[4]
Thammattama – a form of twin drums played with cane drum sticks^[4]
Talam pota and Pantheru – percussion instruments that provide perfect timing to singing and dancing^[6]

The drummers themselves are often dancers too—they're not simply musicians keeping time, but integral performers whose rhythmic movements complement the dancers' footwork.^[7] This integration of musician and dancer creates the dynamic, flowing quality that makes Kandyan performances so mesmerizing to watch.

The Vannams: Poetry in Motion

Many Kandyan dances, called vannams, feature lyrics sung in tune with the movements of the dancer.^[4] These verses aren't arbitrary—they sing about the virtues of the animals each vannam depicts, connecting the dancers to the natural world through poetry and movement.^[4] The eighteen vannams have been mastered by each new generation, preserving the wisdom of ancient sages through living tradition.

The Costumes: Wearing Our Heritage

If you've seen Kandyan dancers, the first thing that strikes you is their spectacular costumes. Male dancers wear flamboyant attire including metallic chest plates, waistbands, and various neck, arm, and leg ornaments.^[2] The elaborate Ves costume was once worn only by a select hereditary caste, but now adorns dancers from diverse backgrounds.^[1]

This democratization of the costume represents an important evolution. During the 19th century, Ves dancers were invited to perform outside traditional rituals, and women started to perform Kandyan dance.^[3] The masculine Kandyan dance techniques were adapted for female dancers, and this has served as the basis for contemporary Sri Lankan dancing.^[3]

Surviving Colonial Rule and Reviving Our Traditions

Like much of our cultural heritage, Kandyan dance faced its greatest challenge during the British colonial period. When support from the Kandyan kings ended, the dance waned in popularity.^[4] The British colonisers couldn't destroy what they didn't understand, but neglect and the disruption of royal patronage threatened the tradition's survival.

Yet our people protected what was sacred. The drummers continued to beat their rhythms in temple precincts and village grounds. Families passed down the intricate footwork and hand movements. Communities maintained the rituals that connected them to their ancestors and their deities. What could have been lost forever was instead preserved through determination and cultural pride.

Today, Kandyan dance has been revived and adapted for the stage, becoming Sri Lanka's primary cultural export.^[4] The sacred drums that once beat only in temples now resound on stages around the world. The tradition that nearly faded has become a symbol of our national identity.

Kandyan Dance Today: Where to Experience It

If you want to witness traditional Kandyan dancing and drumming, you have several opportunities:

Kandy Esala Perahera – The most spectacular display, held annually in August, featuring traditional dancers as part of the procession honouring the Sacred Tooth Relic^[7]
Temple performances – Many temples in the Kandyan area have specially designed pavilions (called digge) where drummers accompany twice-daily pujas at the Temple of the Tooth and other temples^[2]
Cultural associations – Daily performances organised by cultural associations in Kandy make it easy to experience the art form^[2]
Wedding ceremonies – Traditional Kandyan dancing plays an essential role in Kandyan wedding ceremonies^[3]

The Cultural Significance Today

Kandyan dance isn't merely a performance art—it's a living connection to our spiritual heritage. The rhythm, the movement, the costumes, and the music work together to tell stories that have been told for millennia. Each performance invokes the same blessings our ancestors sought, carrying forward their hopes for peace and prosperity.

The dance reflects the diverse history and multi-ethnic nature of Sri Lanka, incorporating indigenous elements, Hindu and Buddhist influences, and South Indian traditions into a uniquely Sri Lankan expression.^[5] It's a testament to how cultures can blend and strengthen one another while maintaining their essential character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Kandyan dance and other Sri Lankan dance forms?

Kandyan dance (Udarata Natum) is specific to the Central Hills region and is characterised by its vibrant costumes, intricate footwork, rhythmic drumming, and graceful movements.^[5] While Sri Lanka has other dance traditions like Low Country dances, Kandyan dance is distinguished by its connection to ancient rituals, its exclusive use of percussion instruments, and its role in religious ceremonies and the Kandy Perahera.^[3]^[4]

Can anyone learn Kandyan dance, or is it restricted to certain castes?

Historically, Kandyan dance was performed by dancers from a specific caste under the Kandyan feudal system. However, this has changed significantly. Today, dancers from diverse backgrounds perform Kandyan dance, and both men and women participate in the tradition.^[3]^[4] If you're interested in learning, you can find cultural organisations and dance schools in Kandy and other parts of Sri Lanka offering instruction.

How long does a traditional Kohomba Kankariya performance last?

A traditional Kohomba Kankariya is an all-night event that commences in the evening and continues into the following morning.^[3] This extended duration reflects the ritual's spiritual significance and the complexity of invoking blessings from twelve deities through more than thirty discrete acts.^[1]

What do the different vannams represent?

The eighteen vannams each depict different animals, and the verses sung during these dances celebrate the virtues of those animals.^[4] Through poetry and movement, the vannams connect dancers and audiences to the natural world, blending spiritual practice with appreciation for Sri Lanka's wildlife and natural heritage.

Is Kandyan dance still performed at temples regularly?

Yes, drumming remains a vital part of temple worship. Drummers still accompany the twice-daily pujas at the Temple of the Tooth, and many temples in the Kandyan area have specially designed pavilions where traditional performances take place.^[2] Additionally, daily performances are organised by cultural associations, making it accessible for both locals and visitors.

How has Kandyan dance influenced modern Sri Lankan culture and arts?

Kandyan dance has served as the foundation for contemporary Sri Lankan dancing.^[3] The techniques, costumes, and musical traditions have been adapted and evolved, influencing modern dance forms whilst maintaining their connection to our ancient heritage. The dance has also become Sri Lanka's primary cultural export, representing our nation on the global stage.^[4]

Keeping Our Traditions Alive

Kandyan dance and drumming are more than historical relics—they're living traditions that continue to evolve whilst honouring their sacred origins. Whether you experience them at the Kandy Esala Perahera, at a temple ceremony, or at a cultural performance, you're witnessing centuries of devotion, artistry, and spiritual practice.

If you're interested in learning more or supporting these traditions, consider visiting cultural organisations in Kandy, attending performances, or even taking classes if you're drawn to the art form. Our traditions survive because people like you value and participate in them. By engaging with Kandyan dance, you're helping ensure that the sacred drums continue to beat for generations to come.

Sources & References

The Sacred Drums Beat On: Kandyan Dance Through Colonial Times — ceylonhistory.com
Sri Lanka, Dancing and Drumming — travellerdreams.wordpress.com
Sri Lankan Traditional Dancing & Drumming Workshop — kstatemtd.com
Kandyan Dance — en.wikipedia.org
Historical Influences on Kandyan Dance in Sri Lanka — gvpress.com
The Roots of Kandyan Dancing — thuppahis.com
The Kandyan Dances – Asian Traditional Theatre & Dance — disco.teak.fi