By Tyron Devotta
During the global lockdown of 2020, the world came to a standstill. Streets were emptied, celebrations were halted, and life, as we knew it, changed. But in the heart of Sri Lanka, amidst the uncertainty and silence, the Kandy Esala Perahera—the country’s most significant cultural and religious procession—with almost a thousand performers danced on.
Captured through the lens of Shannon Raymond, an artist at heart, 2020: Kandy Danced is a coffee table book that preserves a rare and powerful moment in history: the Perahera taking place in a lockdown. The images, taken from the Queen’s Hotel balcony, reveal a side of this art form rarely seen—one stripped of its usual perfection, but alive with raw energy.
A Procession Like No Other
Ordinarily, the Kandy Perahera draws thousands of devotees and spectators, lighting up the streets with an atmosphere of festivity and reverence. But in 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the performers—dancers, drummers, torchbearers, and elephant handlers—moved through an almost empty city.
Despite the absence of an audience, their dedication remained unwavering. “Even when there was no one watching, they danced with the same intensity,” Raymond reflects. “That level of commitment, that enthusiasm, was something I had to capture. I was looking at things that most people wouldn’t typically notice. In these pictures, you’ll see shadows, the play of light and dark, and the artistry of the dance itself. You’ll also see the sheer enthusiasm of the performers—something we often talk about as dancers ourselves. Here, they were performing with no audience, yet their energy and dedication never wavered. Even when there was no one watching they still gave it their all.”
The book does not attempt to document the Perahera in its usual form. Instead, it offers a deeply personal interpretation—focusing on shadows, movement, and fleeting moments of emotion rather than the traditional grandeur. “I wasn’t looking for the perfect photograph. I was looking for the story within the image,” Shannon Raymond says. “I wanted to explore what I could do, push the boundaries, and interpret things differently—essentially, find a way to capture movement on a still page. It was about looking beyond the obvious image, beyond what most people focus on. There are so many shadows that photographers typically try to avoid, yet within those shadows lie details and layers of meaning. If you really look closely, you’ll see an entirely different perspective emerge. For instance, reflections in copper lamps can be just as striking as the dancers themselves. In that sense, my work represents the other side of professional photography—one that embraces imperfection and the unconventional.”
A Dancer’s Perspective
Having trained in oriental dance, Shannon’s eye was naturally drawn to the technique, the movement, and the subtle expressions of the performers. This technical understanding, combined with an intuitive artistic approach, has produced images that are different.
“Most photographers aim for clarity and composition. I was drawn to the interplay of light and shadow, the sheer dynamism of movement, and the emotion of the moment. Some of these images would have been discarded by a professional photographer—but for me, they tell a different story.”
A Testament to the Human Spirit
The book is not just about the Perahera—it is about endurance. In a time of global fear and uncertainty, when the world was being told to isolate, here was a group of individuals coming together, to carry on a centuries-old tradition with unwavering dedication.
“With COVID, everything was about distancing, isolation, and restrictions. Yet, these performers carried on as if nothing had changed. That resilience, that devotion to something greater than themselves, was incredibly moving.”
While photographing, Raymond, who is a mortician by profession and a dancer by compulsion was struck by the sheer intensity of the performance, especially given the extraordinary circumstances—they were in the midst of a global pandemic.
“Because of the nature of my work, I have learned to see the positive in everything. I naturally focus on endurance, on the resilience of the human spirit, on the energy and enthusiasm for life that people bring to their dedication. It’s not about dwelling on the negative—because in my line of work, you are constantly aware of the inevitability of life. You know that, at some point, you will have to face them. That perspective shapes how I see the world and, in this case, how I saw the performance unfold.”
In the art world, Shannon Raymond is known for many things—a talented actor, producer, director, and dancer across multiple styles, as well as a painter, sculptor, and designer. However, photography has never been part of that list. By his own admission, he had simply borrowed his brother’s camera for the day. Yet, just as a camera can be a weapon of intrusion in the hands of the paparazzi or a brush in the hands of an artist, Shannon has proven that it’s not the technology behind the lens but the passion of the human eye that truly captures the moment.
A Limited Edition for a Cause
Only 250 copies of 2020: Kandy Danced have been printed, making it a collector’s piece. More than just a visual journey, the book also serves a greater purpose—all proceeds will go towards charity.
“My focus is not on what I want from the book, but why I am doing it—to raise funds and give back.”
Accompanied by carefully chosen quotations rather than traditional captions, the book invites readers to interpret the images in their own way. It serves as both a reminder of a unique moment in history and a tribute to the enduring human spirit.
The official launch will attempt to recreate a microcosm of the Perahera, immersing attendees in the same atmosphere that inspired the book. Whether as a historical record, an artistic exploration, or a testament to resilience, 2020: Kandy Danced is a story that deserves to be seen, felt, and remembered.