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A Sri Lankan traditional dancer wearing a devil mask performs during the traditional exorcism ritual “Daha Ata Sanniya” ritualistic festival in Kaluthara outskirt of Colombo , Sri Lanka, 18 April 2021. Also known as “Daha Ata Sannia” or “Sanni Yakuma”, it is a traditional exorcism ritual of Sinhala Buddhists on the southern coast and in the western parts of Sri Lanka. It is usually held with the intention of healing a sick person who is believed to be possessed by a demon. The ritual consists of 18 masks, which represent specific diseases or ailments that affect people. This ritual is performed today as a cultural spectacle rather than an exorcism ritual. However, due to its high cost and its longevity, it is not widely used. (Photo by Chamila Karunarathne/EPA/EFE)
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