The dressing up of a Hewisi band, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Anxious parents

Awaiting the head-dress

Tying the turban

A proud mother

Dressing up a Hewisi Band is a laborious process. The 'Gurunnanses' who taught the pupils the art of drumming take pride in dressing them up at the initiation ceremony. I took these photos at the ceremony.

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.