An Investigation into Cultural Identity and Female Representation in the Kandy Esala Perahera

This research critically examines the intersection of sacred space, gender, and performance within the Kandyan tradition. By analyzing how the concept of "purity" has historically functioned as a social instrument of control, the study explores the systematic marginalization of the female body from the sacred center to the periphery. A central focus is placed on the "castle" of purity—where biological cycles were prioritized over artistic merit—leading to the suppression of natural female identity in favor of rigid social frameworks. Furthermore, the investigation highlights the cultural phenomenon of male cross-dressing in the Perahera, identifying it as a tactical aesthetic choice that sought to preserve "female elegance" while bypassing the perceived "vulnerability" of the biological woman. This work serves as a theoretical foundation for my artistic practice, aiming to reclaim the female narrative within traditional and contemporary Sri Lankan dance.