What are the main cultural dances seen in the Perahera?

The Perahera shows off elite Kandyan classical dance forms, and it really puts the spotlight on that acrobatic Ves dance plus Pantheru (tambourine), Udekki (hourglass drum), and Naiyandi routines.

You know the Ves dancers right away because they are the most recognisable and prestigious performers; they wear elaborate silver headgear, and they do those powerful leaping routines. The whole thing is backed up by relentless Hewisi drummers, and the rhythm doesn’t really let up. The dancers train for years just to be part of the procession, and their acts come from martial arts, along with old exorcism rituals.