A Night of Legends, A Night to Remember: Kathak & Kandyan dance evening in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Nritya Samrat 2025

Last night, I had the profound honour of witnessing some of the world’s legendary dancers come alive on stage. And why am I so proud? Because they were two extraordinary women.

The first was Srimati Aditi Mangaldas, the renowned Kathak dancer from India. A living legend at 65, she carried the stage with an energy that was nothing short of poetic. At the end, she told us something along these lines: “We will all get lost in the forest of dance & find something beautiful there” And indeed, she swept us away into that forest, where time stood still and movement spoke louder than words. It was like watching poetry unfold before my eyes. Surreal. It must have been a dream...

Then came Dr. Waidyawathie Rajapaksha, the rare gem of Sri Lankan Kandyan dance, the ninth generation of the renowned Amunuguma dance family in the Kandy region. Over 80 years old, and yet she radiated such strength, grace, and vitality. To see her perform was not only inspiring, it was humbling. Her presence embodied the depth of our cultural heritage and the power of perseverance, also showing us that age is just a number, it is passion for dance that keeps the spirit alive and forever young.

And as if that weren’t enough, the stage also celebrated the new generation of dancers who are carrying these traditions forward with equal brilliance. Vihanga, a Sri Lankan Kathak dancer, joined by Amritha from Sri Lanka and Runjhun from India, formed a trio that was nothing short of mesmerizing. Their performance was meditative, deeply moving, and a testament to the bonds of culture that connect us across borders.

None of this would have been possible without the vision and effort of Vihanga and the Edvin Vihan Company, who brought together such artistry at the highest level. From the technique to the costumes, from the lighting to the stage design, every detail reflected excellence. It was a production that could stand tall on any international stage.

I left the hall feeling delighted, humbled, emotional filled with pride for the upcoming generation of Sri Lankan dancers. They are not only preserving our traditions but also building bridges with our neighboring countries, honoring the legendary gems of our past, present while carving out a bold future.

This was a night I will never forget. To have been in Colombo, Sri Lanka at the right time, in the right place, to witness both Srimati Aditi Mangaldas and Dr. Waidyawathie Rajapaksha share their artistry with us—it feels like a blessing. And to see the new generation perform with such brilliance only makes me believe that the future of dance in Sri Lanka is in strong, capable hands.

My heartfelt thanks to the organizers, the dancers, and everyone who made this magical evening possible. Vihanga, Amritha & Runjhun deserve to be known internationally—you will be known internationally. And I, for one, will be rooting for you every step of the way.

What a night. What a night.


P.S. -  I don’t have a single video to share and that’s intentional. When I watch dance, I want to be fully present. No screens, no distractions. Just me, the music, the movement, and the story unfolding on stage. Dance brings me joy, and to honour that joy, I choose to experience it deeply in the moment. The only photos I have are post-show captures with the artists themselves, as memories of a night I lived wholeheartedly.


I'm Chaya, co-founder of Passiko Voyages, creating immersive journeys to Sri Lanka with culture & nature.