The College had 28 young talented Kandyan dancers inducted as “Ves Dancers” at the Natha Devale and College premises on 9th January 2020.
It was the 12th Induction Ceremony organised by the National Drum and Dance Troupe and is considered one of the most sacred events of their calendar.
The Ves Dancers – an expression of Sri Lankan culture
There is something intensely thrilling in the movements of the Ves dancer; the bracelets on his feet and the shimmering ornaments on his headdress create the most rhythmic tinkling accompanied by the sound of drums.
The Ves dance is an ancient dance ritual that was performed in a purification ceremony known as the Kohomba Kankariya. Only men perform this dance. The Ves dancer has to traditionally don a costume of 64 ornaments, believed to be a replica of the attire worn by the associated deity, god Kohomba.
This attire is unique to the Ves dance recital, the upper body is bare, except for a web like apron made of shells and beads. The pleated white cloth covering the lower torso is draped around the waist and tucked in. The silver head-dress characterises the Ves dancer: from the conical top of the headdress, spreads seven spokes that look like rays, sometimes similar to flames and even leaves. From the seven corners dangle little shining trinkets. The head-dress also has silver forehead plate. With mango-shaped ornaments for the ears and cobra shaped sheaths over the arms, the ensemble is complete, and the Ves dancer is ready to dance to the beat of the drum.
