Wesak Day: Sri Lankan Friends Mesmerise Crowd With Kandyan Dance

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- Nadun, Sampath, and Callum, three friends from Sri Lanka, captivated the audience with their enchanting Kandyan dance performance at the Buddhist Maha Vihara temple in Brickfields on Wesak Day, here today.

The trio, who have been performing in Malaysia for the past 14 years, showcased their mastery of the traditional dance form, adding a vibrant touch to the celebrations.

Nadun and Sampath, both 40, and Callum, 41, have dedicated their lives to the popular traditional dance from Sri Lanka known for its intricate movements and colourful costumes.

"It's a very popular Sri Lankan traditional dance, encompassing both the northern and southern regions of the country," Nadun told Bernama at the temple.  

The performers who have been dancing since they were 12 years old, share their lifelong passion for the art.

This year, their trip to Malaysia also included a procession in Melaka yesterday, where they showcased their talent to yet another appreciative audience. 

The Wesak Day celebrations at Brickfields were enhanced by the rhythmic beats and graceful movements of the Kandyan dancers, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, while fostering a spirit of unity and celebration among the diverse attendees.

Meanwhile, the temple’s Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardana Society president Prematilaka KD Serisena reported that the celebrations drew an estimated crowd of 45,000 people from morning until 6 pm.

"We expect the crowd to grow, with about 20,000 to 30,000 people anticipated to join the procession.

"Despite the rain, the spirit of the devotees was not dampened, and they continued to fulfill their vows," he said.

He further noted that people from all walks of life, regardless of race and religion, were observed in the temple during the Wesak Day celebrations.

Wesak Day holds paramount importance for Buddhists, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddharta Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.

The festival is marked by the lighting of incense sticks and lotus-shaped candles, offering flowers, and the symbolic bathing of the Buddha statue.

-- BERNAMA