I've just got back from a holiday in Sri Lanka, and was fortunate enough to see the big parade in Colombo to celebrate the February full moon. This comprised dance groups from various regions, and Buddhist groups, interspersed with decorated elephants. Most colourful.
Towards the end of the parade, a group came along, in the centre of which was a guy carrying a maypole. Around him, dancers were doing the standard under and over plaiting, whilst carrying a clacker in their free hand. this they used to emphasise the beat of the dance.

I am only assuming that this is a vestige of the British colonial days that has been absorbed into the culture.
Anybody else ever seen it? At least I had my camcorder with me.

Andrea