On the tall, tall trees,
Long, long leafy branches sway.
Leaves cut from the kenda tree,
Leaves growing around the trunk.
“There are twenty leaves!” they say,
“Yes, twenty leaves indeed!”
This Raban Padaya is a traditional Sinhala folk rhyme sung during village gatherings and festive occasions in Sri Lanka. These playful verses are often performed while playing the Raban, a traditional circular drum used especially by women during Sinhala cultural celebrations.
The poem describes the beauty of nature using simple and rhythmic language. Tall trees, long leaves, and village surroundings create a peaceful countryside image. The repeated words and cheerful rhythm make the rhyme enjoyable for children and adults alike.
The line about “twenty leaves” adds a playful counting element, which is common in Sinhala folk poetry. Such verses were traditionally used not only for entertainment but also for teaching rhythm, memory, observation of nature, and language skills.
Raban songs are usually performed during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season. Families and neighbors gather together, sing folk songs, play drums, dance, and celebrate village traditions. These poems help preserve the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and pass traditional values from one generation to another.
The simple words, repetition, and musical flow make this Padaya lively and easy to remember. Even today, children learn and perform these folk rhymes in schools, cultural programs, and New Year festivals.
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