The Ceremony & Order of Events

Poruwa

6:00 pm

The Poruwa ceremony is a traditional Sinhalese wedding ritual with deep cultural and symbolic significance. The ceremony takes place on a "poruwa", a decorated wooden platform. Four clay pots containing coconut flowers are placed at the four corners to represent Happiness, Prosperity, Health and Wealth. The bride and groom enter the ceremony area separately, accompanied by drummers or traditional Kandyan music (Magul Bera). They step onto the Poruwa simultaneously, symbolizing unity and equality. They will then offer betel leaves to one another's families as a mark of respect and gratitude and signifying the union of two families. The master of ceremonies, will recite blessings for the couple, and an individual betel leaf with a coin will be handed over to the couple who drop them to the floor. This is repeated 7 times to get the blessings of 7 generations of relatives on each side.

Blessing of the union & Ring exchange

6:30 pm

A sacred thread (pirith nool) is tied around the right pinky fingers of the bride and groom symbolising the lasting bond between the two. Holy water is then poured over the tied fingers. The water and the Earth to which it falls are said to be the everlasting witnesses to the marriage

Jayamangala Gatha

6:45 pm

The Jayamangala Gatha is a set of traditional Buddhist verses chanted to invoke blessings and good fortune. These verses are particularly significant in Buddhist rituals and ceremonies, including weddings, as they are believed to bring joy, prosperity, and protection from harm. It consists of eight stanzas, each celebrating a triumph of the Buddha over various obstacles or challenges. These victories symbolize the overcoming of difficulties, and the chanting of these verses is thought to inspire similar success and well-being for those present. The themes of the gatha include: -Victory over anger, greed, and delusion. -Triumph through wisdom, compassion, and determination. -The ability to overcome adversity with virtuous qualities. In the context of a Sri Lankan wedding, the Jayamangala Gatha is chanted as a blessing for the couple, wishing them a life filled with happiness, harmony, and success.

Breaking of the coconut

6:45 pm

With that, the ceremony is now over. The couple will get down off the poruwa, helped by the Bride's uncle. A coconut is broken near the Poruwa to symbolize prosperity and to ward off evil spirits. The sound of the crack is considered a good omen for the couple’s future. The couple will light the traditional oil lamp symbolising the start of a new life together

Speeches, Dinner and Dancing to follow

7:30 pm

Carriages

11:45 pm