Panja

Panja – abbreviation in the Indonesian Language for 5 fingers – panca jari; and in this instance referring to the symbolic “hand”). This ceremony was brought to Ceylon by the Indonesians (Batavians) that arrived with the Dutch invading forces. There were only 2 or 3 locations at which these ceremonies were conducted; and they were in the City of Colombo at a small playground called De Soyza Playground in Slave Island. This playground is no longer in existence.

Wedding - Nikah
The Nikah Ceremony which is performed by a Muslim Registrar of Marriage is attended by the Male family members of the Bride and Bridegroom. The marriage vows are taken by the Bridegroom; and as per Islamic Rights the Bridegroom will have to pay a “Mahar” to the Bride. “Mahar” is an Arabic word for “Dowry” (“Mas Kawin” in Malay).Paying of “Mahar” is compulsory; without which the marriage is not valid. It is usually the Muslim custom that the father of the Bride signs on behalf of the Bride 

Cepak Raga
The game of Sepak Raga was brought to Ceylon by the ancestors of the Sri Lanka Malays; on their arrival with the Dutch invasion of Ceylon in the late 17th/early 18th century A.D. This was a very popular game among the poorer Malays; and indeed very enthusiastically played in the Slave Island area. You would find them playing in any available open space. It consisted of a team leader standing in the centre of a group of players (with a maximum of 6 other players) and controlling the game them within a marked circle.

Wedding - Alathi
The Bride and the accompanying Bridal Party is met at the entrance to the reception hall by the Bride’s father and elderly relatives. A simple ceremony is conducted called an “Alathi Ceremony” by an elderly female relative. It comprises of two dishes - one with milk and a betel leaf (daun sirih*) in it - signifying prosperity; and the other with liquid tumeric solution and a betel leaf - signifying health and purity. Each of the dishes is waved over the head of the Bride along with prayers of blessings. The Bride is then led to the Wedding Throne (istahal or pelaminan chair). 

Pencak Silat
(Known locally as Cheena Adi or China Footing). 

This form of Martial Art is called "Pencak Silat" in the Indonesian language. In Sri Lanka this art was colloquially called "Cheena Adi" which is a Tamil term meaning "China Footing". 

Pencak Silat is characterized by fixed hand and leg positions and is often thought of as a slow dance-like art by the participants and non-participants. The art encompasses agile and graceful movements of great versatility which includes diverse use of high kicks, jumps and agile maneuvers bordering around classical dance movements.

Renda or Crochet
Crochet is a process of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn, thread, or strands of other materials using a crochet hook. The name is taken from the French word "crochet", meaning small hook. he first substantive evidence of crocheted fabric relates to its appearance in Europe during the 19th century. 

One of the favourite pastime of our elders was the weaving of embroidery lace for the embellishment of their clothes; and for that of their kith & kin including friends. 

Congklak or Mancay or Pallan Kulli
The playing board is made from wood, with variations from island to island in the number of holes on each side, either 5, 6, 7 or 9 holes. All the boards have two 'store house' holes, one on each end. The design varies from simple, unadorned woods, to boat-shaped boards, to highly decorated playing boards. In Central Java, elaborate designs utilizing the Javanese naga (dragon) are common. Dragons face out from both ends, with their tails decorating the side of the boards and legs suspending the board up off the floor. Congklak boards can be elaborately carved and painted, with gold and red being popular colors. Most, however, are made of relatively plain wood.