Traditional dances of Sri Lanka.

The traditional dances in Sri Lanka was initiated in 14^th century B.C for the sake of banishing natural disasters, sickness and greet people and the land. During time changes, dancing forms are advanced and varied according to the region and local traditions.

There are three principal dancing forms are available. Such as: Kandyan Dance, pahatharata dance, and sabaragamuwa dance. All three dances differs from each other by the way of dancing, drums and songs and the costumes they wear, movements etc.

The drum used in Kandyan dancing is known as the GETA BERE, the drum in Ruhunu dancing as the YAK BERE, and drum in Sabaragamuwa dancing as the DAVULA.

Kandyan Dance

Kandyan dance is developed from the period of kandyan kings. They imitate the movements of animals. The costumes worn by the performers take after the costumes of deities to whom they dedicate the Dance which are colourful with white, red, yellow and black mixed. The drums used in kandyan dance is known as GETA BERE.

Sabaragamuwa Dance

Sabaragamuwa dance is performed to worship God Saman, the deity who is considered as the guardian of Rathnapura. In this dance both men and women are allowed to participate. . The drums used in sabaragamuwa dance is known as DAVULA.

Pahatharata Dance

The word pahatharata means Low country. These dances basically performed in Low countries. The purpose of this dance is to plead the evil spirits which causes sicknesses hence highly ritualistic. The performers wear masks represents many characters such as demons, birds, reptiles etc.