Hereditary craft, living tradition
The Performers
Every drum, every step, every instrument in the Ēsela Perahāra belongs to a hereditary tradition, passed through families for generations without interruption. These are the artists who carry it.
The Music
The Drummers & Musicians
No other music may sound before the Hewisi ensemble leads. The drumming groups of the Perahāra play in precise ceremonial sequence, each instrument carrying a distinct ritual role. These traditions have been practiced without interruption since the Kandyan kingdom.
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01
Geta Beraya
The double-headed Kandyan drum, the lead instrument of the Hewisi ensemble and the backbone of the entire procession's rhythm. Description coming soon.
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02
Davula
A two-headed cylindrical drum played with a stick and the hand. Description coming soon.
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03
Thammattama
A pair of small kettledrums played together, providing a distinct tonal layer within the panchaturya ensemble. Description coming soon.
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04
Horanawa
The ceremonial oboe of the Kandyan ensemble, a reed instrument whose sound carries above the drums. Description coming soon.
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05
Udekki
A small hourglass drum held in one hand, used to accompany certain dance forms. Description coming soon.
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06
Pantheru
Small frame drums with jingles, played while dancing: both a percussion instrument and a movement form. Description coming soon.
The Dance
The Dance Troupes
Kandyan dance is one of the world's most codified classical forms. The Perahāra brings together multiple distinct troupes, each with its own costume, choreography, and hereditary lineage. The Ves, the highest form, is earned, not assigned.
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01
Ves
The sacred form of Kandyan dance, performed in the iconic beaded silver headdress. A dancer must master lower forms before earning the right to wear it. Description coming soon.
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02
Naiyandi
A preparatory dance form performed before the Ves, one of the steps toward earning the higher costume. Description coming soon.
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03
Bulath Padaya
Betel-leaf bearers who perform while carrying offerings. Description coming soon.
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04
Malpadaya
Flower bearers moving in ceremonial sequence alongside the procession. Description coming soon.
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05
Pantheru Dance
Performers who dance while playing the pantheru frame drum: movement and music unified in a single body. Description coming soon.
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06
Raban
Performers playing the flat raban drum while in motion. Description coming soon.
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07
Savaram
A ceremonial group carrying traditional items in procession. Description coming soon.
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08
Thelme
A ritual dance performed with fire, one of the more striking forms in the full procession. Description coming soon.
See them in context
Read the full procession guide to see where each group appears.