Sri Lanka is a culturally rich country. It is a land of origin of numerous culturally enriched things. Kandyan dance is one such precious legacy of Sri Lanka. If you are a foreign traveler who intends to visit Sri Lanka, Kandyan dancing will be a remarkable memory to bring back with you. Kandyan dance is an iconic cultural element which can entertain tourists across the world.
Sri Lanka has three schools of thought for traditional dancing.They are up country dancing (known also as Kandyan/ udarata), low country dancing (known also as pahatharata), and mid country dancing (known also as sabaragamu). These names are given to the respective dancing types according to the location they originated. Among them, Kandyan dancing plays an important role in attracting travelers across the world for a number of reasons. Even though Kandyan dance is famous in the Kandy area, it is widespread across Sri Lanka now. Yet, if you are a traveler who needs to witness Kandyan dance in a culturally rich atmosphere, Kandy Perahera is the best occasion to witness it. Vishmi Travels can assure all the travelers there that we give an optimal service for you to explore the most beautiful things about Sri Lankan traditional dancing culture.
Inspirations for Kandyan dance (Kandyan wannam)
There are Kandyan wannam that are inspired by the natural environment. Most of those wannams represent an animal and its moving styles. For example, there is a wannama called gajaga which shows the heroic nature of an elephant. There is another wannama called thuraga, which represents the horse and its movements. For wannams, they have created wannam kavi (poems). They sing them along with the rhythm of the drums. Likewise, these Kandyan dance types have got their inspiration from the natural environment. The depth of the creativity and the rhythm of this Kandyan dance is imperial and unique.
Nuwara perahera/ Kandy perahera/ Esala perahera
In the month of July, the Kandy Perahera is held annually with the participation of a lot of dancers. This is an item for which people from both local and foreign lands gather prodigiously to Kandy. During this period, the Kandy area becomes very beautiful and colorful. Kandy perahera is held on behalf of the prosperity of the entire country. And, Kandyan dancing is an essential item in this Perahera.
Kandy; another ideal place for travelers
Kandy is most famous for the Temple of Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred places of Buddhists around the country. The Kandyan dance is an essential part in all the significant occasions of the temple. Kandy is an ancient kingdom in ceylon. This part of the country is cooler than the lower country territories and Kandy has a beautiful view with a pleasant climate also.
Energetic performance of the Kandyan dancers
Kandyan dancing in the Kandy perahera is majorly performed by males even though it is practiced by females outside the Perahera context. The costume is unique for Kandyan dancers with beautifully crafted decorations in silver color. These costumes are dazzling and the Dancing items are really energetic. Some movements of the Kandyan dancers are breathtaking. Not every person can master this beautiful dancing style. The beauty and the aura of the Kandyan dance is enhanced by the drums used to provide the rhythm for the dance. This drum, in particular, is called Geta Beraya. There is a separate team of drummers to play the instruments. Apart from the Geta Beraya, another instrument called Thalampata which consists of a pair of cymbals is also used. Not only foreign travelers, even the local travelers are also astonished to see their performance.
Kandyan Dancing; a good sign for every beginning.
People hold Kandyan dance in high esteem. According to Buddhists, it is a sign of purity and prosperity. Hence, not only in religious parades but in other ceremonies like weddings, inaugurations and openings also Kandyan dance is performed.
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