kohomba kankariya
"kohomba kankariya". An all night ceremony that is a quintessential representation of Kandyan dancing. The authentic ritual, which is now a rare occurrence, involves about 50 dancers and ten drummers taking part in an act of obeisance to the god Kohomba"- C A. Gunawardena, Encyclopedia of Sri Lanka (2003 and 2006)
Sri Lanka possesses a rich heritage of indigenous healing rituals, One of the most remarkable, which still continues to be performed in the village, is the kohomba kankariya, Indeed, it is regarded as the most elaborate and spectacular of all the music and dance rituals found on the island. With a timeline that requires over six months of planning, it filled with elaborate decorations drawn from nature,
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dancing, music, drumming and chanting. Beneath the fanfare, however, lies a powerful indigenous ritual that is believed to bring good health and prosperity to the people of the community organizing it.
The origins of the kohomba kankariya are uncertain. Some historians believe that it originated in the 5th century BC during the time of King Panduwas Dev, while others argue it originated during the time of the Kotte Kingdom in the 151 century. The first kohomba kankariya lasted for 65 days and was known as the "Festival of 651 Thereafter it was shortened to seven days. At present it lasts for one intoxicating day.
The kohomba kankariya performs a variety of functions in Sri Lanka:
Primarily as a healing ritual. When a loved one is sick the family organises a kohomba kankariya. Villagers believe that the gods have brought about the sickness and the devil has taken over the person. The only way to restore the person's health is to appease the god and chase away the devil. The ailing person placed at the altar where the ritual takes place while the musicians perform to expel the evil spirits. The drumming, chanting and dancing involved in the ritual are believed to have the power to-perform this function.
As a harbinger of good luck and prosperity it is performed to bring about a bountiful harvest. The majority of people lining in villages earn a living through farming. Rice cultivation is primary. An unexpected rainy season, attack from elephants, or a severe drought can wipe out the harvest for the year, depriving villagers of their income. In Order to ask for a prosperous harvest pillagers organize a kohomba kankariya.
All the dancers were dressed in Kandyan-style outfits. Their ears were adorned with earrings, their chests covered with large beads, and ankles were draped with anklets that created a pleasant sound. As dusk set in, villagers began to gather around the altar in number. Indeed the compound was packed with those who came eagerly to watch the rare healing ceremony. The ritual area was lit with oil lanterns, candles, and fire. Vendors were selling kadala (a type of grain), fruit juices, and ornaments. It was almost like a carnival.
Around midnight a dance known as Kuweni asna took place. Some 20 dancers carried coconut oil lanterns and performed a sensual ballet. The more advanced dancers performed daring somersaults and acrobatics. It was a combination of Asian martial arts, ballet, yoga, gymnastics and Kandyan dancing. The combination of fire, dance, and drumming appealed to the tactile, olfactory, auditory and visual sensations simultaneously.
The dance with a sheaf of herbs, symbolizing good health, was most arresting. During the dancing with the herb sheaf, the drummers chanted blessings to the gods and asked for good health. Throughout, the dancers asked for forgiveness from the gods for sins committed in the past. The ritual ended around noon the following day.
Underlying the rooster ceremony, acrobatics and decorations is the deep faith that Sri Lankans have in the healing power of prayer. Sometimes faith has the power to change reality at least one's perception of reality. Sri Lankans believe that the energy being exuded during the ritual can bring good health and prosperity if it is done with complete faith and conviction. The kohomba kankariya combines different elements, such as dancing, chanting, and drumming, to ask the gods to expel evil spirits and to replace them with positive spirits.
In some cases after a kohomba kankariya is performed sick people are healed. In another instance, parents performed a kohomba kankariya for their unmarried daughter, approaching 35. Within two weeks of organizing the ritual they found a suitable partner arid their daughter was happily given in marriage. Whether or riot one chooses to believe that the cause behind the healing is the kohomba kankariya is a matter of perspective.
More and more people around the world are turning to alternative forms of healing such as Ayurveda, Reiki, Feng Shui and Yoga for comfort. Although the kohomba kankariya may not be considered an-alternative form of healing, it is a type of prayer that helps to heal people are returning to the wisdom of their ancestors and have faith in indigenous healing rituals.
If a kohomba kankariya is organized in your vicinity during your-visit in Sri Lanka it ought not to be missed, It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and captures the quintessence of Sri Lankan culture. *