Upcountry Dance Tradition
The Upcountry Dance Tradition of Sri Lanka refers to the traditional dance styles that originate from the hill country region, also known as the Uda Rata. These dances are an important part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and are closely linked with religious rituals, social events, and historical storytelling.
kandy
Dambulla
Kurunegala
Upcountry Dance Tradition costume
The Ves costume is the most important and sacred dre ss used in Kandyan (Udarata) dance of Sri Lanka. It is mainly worn by male dancers who have completed the Ves Mangalya ceremony. The costume is beautiful, traditional, and full of meaning.
The Gata Beraya is the main traditional drum used in Kandyan (Udarata) dance of Sri Lanka. It is also called the Kandyan drum. The drum is made from a hollowed-out wooden body (usually from the jak or kitul tree) and is covered with animal skin on both sides. One side produces a deep sound, and the other a lighter tone. The drummer ties the drum around his waist with a cloth band and plays it with both hands. The Gata Beraya is very important in rituals and dances, providing rhythm, energy, and power to the performance. It is a symbol of Sri Lankan heritage and traditional culture.
The Kohomba Kankariya is the most important and ancient ritual in the Kandyan (Udarata) dance tradition of Sri Lanka. It is performed to worship the deity Kohomba and to bring peace, prosperity, and protection to the people. According to legend, the ritual was first performed to cure a king from illness caused by evil spirits. The ceremony includes Ves dances, drumming, singing, and blessings, usually held throughout the night. The Kohomba Kankariya is considered sacred, and it also marks the origin of the Kandyan dance tradition. It represents the deep connection between religion, art, and culture in Sri Lanka.
Lowland Dance Tradition
The Low Country Dance, also known as the Pahatharata Dance, is one of the three main traditional dance styles of Sri Lanka. It originates from the southern and western coastal areas of the island, such as Galle, Matara, and Kalutara. This dance style is mainly used in rituals and healing ceremonies, especially in “Thovil” performances, which are done to drive away evil spirits and bring peace and good health to people. Low Country Dance is known for its powerful body movements, expressive hand gestures, drumming (Yak Beraya), and the use of masks that represent gods, demons, and animals. It is a colorful, energetic, and spiritual dance form that shows the deep connection between art, religion, and folk beliefs in Sri Lankan culture.
Galle
Matara
Hambanthota
Lowland Dance Tradition Costume
The Low Country dance tradition, also known as Pahatha Rata Natum, originates from the southern coastal regions of Sri Lanka, especially around Galle, Matara, and Hambantota. It is closely linked with rituals and healing ceremonies, such as the Devil Dance (Yak Natuma), which are performed to cure illnesses and drive away evil spirits. The dancers wear colorful masks and costumes representing different deities and demons. The music is mainly provided by drums like the yak bera, creating a powerful rhythm that guides the dancers’ movements. This dance form reflects the deep connection between Sri Lankan culture, spirituality, and traditional beliefs.
The yak beraya is the main instrument for Sri Lanka's lowland dance traditions, specifically the Ruhunu and Pahatha Rata traditions. It is a large, cylindrical drum played with the hands, made from wood from trees like Kitul or Kohombha and covered with cow stomach lining. It is also known by other names like Ruhunu Beraya, Goshaka Beraya, and Dhik Beraya
The term "maun shanthikarmaya" is likely a misunderstanding of the "Devol Madu Shanthikarmaya" (or Dewol Madu) and "Gammaduwa Shanthikarmaya," which are central to the lowland (Pahatha Rata) dance tradition of Sri Lanka. These rituals are not secular dances but are ceremonial practices performed for various purposes, such as seeking divine blessings for a successful harvest, preventing disease, and warding off evil spirits. The term "maun" might be an attempt to describe the silent, meditative aspect of a ritual, while "Shanthikarmaya" is the correct term for these appeasement rituals
Sabaragamu Dance Tradition
Sabaragamu dance is a traditional Sri Lankan dance form originating in the Sabaragamuwa province, known for `its combination of Up-country and Low-country styles. It is performed during rituals and festivals, particularly those dedicated to the god Sumana Saman, and features distinctive costumes, songs, chants, and rhythms. The "Dawula" drum is the main percussion instrument used in this style.
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Rathnapura
Balangoda
Kalavana
Sabaragamuwa Dance Tradition Costume
The Sabaragamuwa dance costume is beautifully decorated with beads and ornaments, giving it a unique and sacred look. The main colours used are white and red—white symbolising purity and red representing devotion. The upper part of the costume usually includes a beaded chest piece called the karathella, which shines as the dancer moves. Dancers also wear a headdress (nethmalaya), necklaces, and waistbands made with small beads and metal decorations. These beads are arranged in artistic patterns that reflect the region’s traditional designs. The beadwork is not only decorative but also carries religious meaning, as the costume represents the attire of God Saman, who is worshipped in the Sabaragamuwa Province.
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The Daula is the main drum used in the Sabaragamuwa dance tradition of Sri Lanka. It is a double-headed drum, played with both hands. The drum is usually made from a hollowed wooden body—often from kohomba or kitul wood—and covered with goat or cow skin on both sides. One side of the daula produces a deep bass sound, while the other side gives a sharper tone. The player uses different hand techniques to create rhythmic patterns that guide the dancers. The rhythm of the daula gives energy, timing, and emotion to the dance performance. The daula is not only a musical instrument but also has ritual importance, as it is played in religious and ceremonial dances dedicated to God Saman and other deities in the Sabaragamuwa region.
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Pahan Madu Shanthikarmaya is a religious and healing ritual performed in the Sabaragamuwa dance tradition of Sri Lanka. The word “Pahan” means lamp, and “Madu” means ceremony — so this is a lamp offering ceremony held to bring peace, protection, and blessings to people or communities. During the ritual, dancers and drummers perform around a platform decorated with oil lamps (pahan), while chanting sacred verses to honor God Saman, the guardian deity of the Sabaragamuwa Province. The soft light of the lamps and the rhythmic drum beats create a spiritual atmosphere meant to drive away evil influences and invite good fortune. The Pahan Madu Shanthikarmaya is an important part of Sri Lankan traditional culture, combining dance, music, devotion, and ritual art into one sacred ceremony.