A Study of "Kavadi" Dance Performance in Devinuwara Perahera Ceremony

Abstract

Perahera is a grand spectacle that captivates the hearts and minds of locals and visitors alike. However, the enchanting village of Devinuwara stands out prominently on the cultural map, owing to its association with the esteemed Vishnu Maha Devalaya. This grand celebration serves as a platform for the mesmerizing Devinuwara Kavadi dance, a form of artistic worship that embodies profound religious devotion towards the revered deity, Vishnu. The research problem was, what is the uniqueness of the "Kavadi" Dance performance in the Devinuwara perahera ceremony? The main objective of the research was to investigate the uniqueness of the "Kavadi" Dance performance in the Devinuwara perahera ceremony. An extensive literature survey was undertaken to gather valuable insights, supplemented by an immersive field study. In the field study, in-depth interviews with 50 individuals were conducted to obtain the required data, and a semi-structured interview method was used. The sample was chosen using the purposive sampling method. What sets the Devinuwara Kavadi dance apart from its counterpart, the Katharagama Traditional Kavadi Dance, is the distinctiveness that lies in the structure and materials of the Kavadi Koodu, the costumes worn by the performers, the intricate artistry involved, the presence of tattoos, and the customs that are deeply ingrained in the performance. This Kavadi dance can be seen in other areas, such as Trincomalee, Beliatta, Sinigama, Tangalle, etc. Even though those areas Kavadi dancers absorb the features of the Devinuwara Kavadi, the Devinuwara Kavadi can preserve their unique identity. It is important to acknowledge that present-day factors have resulted in certain alterations in the physical presentation of adolescent individuals who engage in the Devinuwara Kavadi Dance. These modifications include the adoption of various hair colours and the practice of piercing the eyes, nose, and ears. Despite those modern dynamics, the Kavadi performance in Devinuwara Perahera emphasizes the devotion to the lord Vishnu.