Abstract:
Vagarai Veddas are recognized as archaic tribes whose identity is disappearing. Veddas
have been living in Sri Lanka since prehistoric times. However, their cultural identities are
undergoing rapid changes among the metamorphosing forces. However, rituals and
related worship traditions occupy a prime position as a unique cultural symbol of Veddas
social culture. In this case, this study aims to analyze the continuity and changes in rituals
and religious worship traditions of Vakarai Pradesh Veddas. Rituals and worship are
important cultural aspects of social life. Rituals and worship have become a form and
culture that encompasses many elements of human society. Rituals and worship are seen
as maintaining the heritage traditions and customs of the communities during the process
of social change. Data for this study based on an ethnographic approach was collected
through fieldwork in Vakarai area. All data collected were subjected to thematic analysis
and discussed under appropriate subheadings. In this case, the primary issues such as the
beliefs and worship of the Veddas community and their continuity and changes are
discussed here in detail. It can be observed that ancestor worship and nature worship
traditions continue in all aspects of the life of Veddas community of Vakarai region.
However, changes in the worship traditions of the Veddas are taking place due to the
government's settlements in the past, impacts due to the settlements, development projects,
civil war, the resulting impacts, migrations of the Veddas, interactions with other
communities, economic problems, change of period, etc. Through this research, it has been
found that the traditions of worshiping gods based on Agama traditions are taking place,
especially in combination with traditional worship traditions.
