Consider Upeka’s pottu: it is self expression uncluttered by symbolism – where women traditionally wore it as a badge of matrimony, she began wearing it as a single woman. Where women were presumed to be Tamil if they wore one, this Sinhalese woman felt comfortable keeping hers firmly glued on. “The only time I was … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Dance
Thaji: Dancing into the Spotlight
From a framed photograph on the wall, a benevolent Chitrasena looks on as his legacy is given new life. On either side mirrors reflect two lines of dancers clad in unrelieved black. Foremost among them is Chitrasena’s daughter Upeka, who in recent decades has been the company’s prized soloist. Just behind her, waiting in the … Continue reading
Pattini Devi: An Entire Village Unites to Celebrate
Tucked into a corner of a narrow residential street, the Devalaya Road – Purana Pattini Devalaya is a little oasis of calm in Battaramula – except on festival nights. Then the small property becomes the busy heart of the community – the rapid pulse and throb of drums fill the air, everywhere there are laughing children, … Continue reading
Smriti Daniel 