Mahakala

Kolam mask portraying Mahakala.
Kolam is an exorcist dance with masks and costumes performed to eliminate harms associated with pregnancy, baby and childbirth. In rural Sri Lanka, the desires of pregnant women were considered a form of supernatural possession, which Kolam fought. The performance represents local and Hindu stories through mimic gestures and is divided into three parts. In the first, the origin of Kolam is evoked and social satire small plays follow, with characters such as the drummer and his wife, the palace's washer and his wife, the Mudali district chief and his assistant, soldiers, etc. In the second part, the king and queen enter to watch the dances of the demons, the raksas, and of the protective deities of pregnant women and childbirth. Shortly after the king and queen enter the scene, the dancers wearing these heavy masks solemnly place them on a bench so they can watch the demons dance. In the third part, the longest one, they represent one of the Buddha's lives. And finally comes the demon Gara Yaka who, in exchange for offerings, promises prosperity to dancers and spectators.