Hewisi Band - Initiation, dressing up, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Changing to the band kit is a laborious process with its own rituals.

Building a 'Dewatha Kotuwa' - Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Building a 'Dewatha Kotuwa' - a place for the Gods to stay, during an intiation ceremony for a 'Hewisi Band', is a piece of art. Young coconut leaves and plantain stems and leaves are used to build this. In Theravada Buddhist Cosmology there are innumerable Gods, part of a cycle of births and deaths, who bless or curse human beings. This is an act to appease them and ward off evil.
Video:-
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYE5XpRWHwI

Ceremonially receiving the 'Hewisi Band' kit, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

The presentation of the kit to be worn by the members of the 'Hewisi Band' at the Maniccawaththe Pansala, in Avissawella, Sri Lanka, is shown in these pictures.

Awaiting initiation into a 'Hewisi' band, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Youngsters awaiting initiation.

The dresses for each member of the Hewisi band laid out.

The teachers.

Youngsters sixteen in number had to undergo months of training in the various rhythms to be played on the drums from trained teachers - 'Gurunnanses'. Then on an auspicious day they undergo a ceremony to don traditional clothing. I took these pictures at the "Maniccawaththe Pansala", Avissawella.

A 'Mal paela' and a 'Dewathaa Kotuwa', Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

A 'Mal paela' - A flower sapling.

A 'Devathaa Kotuwa' - The shed for the Gods.

Side view of the 'Devathaa Kotuwa'

The flower offering inviting the Gods.

I took these pictures at the initiation ceremony of a 'Hewisi Band' in the Maaniccawaththe Pansala, Avissawella, Sri Lanka. In Theravada Buddhist Cosmology, there are numerous Gods who by their meritorious actions are enjoying a status as Gods for a limited time. They are able to help human beings. They are invited and invoked for blessings at quite a few ceremonies. Small shelters are built of young fresh coconut fronds and plantain stems. Fresh flowers are offered and lamps lighted in these places before the Gods are invoked.