| • |
Choose the time and date:
Traditionally the bride and the bridegroom set the
wedding date with the assistance of an astrologer,
who identifies the most auspicious date and time
for the wedding. |
| • |
Arrival at location: You will
be escorted to the wedding location by drummers
and Kandyan dancers and then to the ‘Poruwa’,
a beautifully decorated wooden ceremonial platform
where the wedding will take place |
| • |
Offer to the gods: You will offer
seven betel leaf bundles to the Gods with a request
that protection is provided to the seven generations
that originate from the marriage. |
| • |
Sharing of the ring: You can
exchange rings and the bridegroom dresses the bride
with a gold necklace that was provided by the groom. |
| • |
Chanted blessing: Six girls bless
your marriage with a beautiful ‘Jayamangala
Gatha’ chant |
| • |
Exchanging of gifts: Gifts are
exchanged |
| • |
Gold thread: While the chanting
continues your small fingers are tied together with
gold thread to symbolise the bond and unity. Holy
water is poured over your fingers. |
| • |
Breaking of coconut: As you step
down from the Poruwa platform a coconut is broken
as a symbolic gesture to drive away evil spirits |
| • |
Registration: The registration
process, overseen by a government marriage registrar
and two witnesses, commences. |
| • |
Lighting of brass oil lamp: A
brass oil lamp – one of the enduring images
of Sri Lanka – must now be light to signify
the start of a bright new future together. |
| • |
Cutting of the cake: The final
stage of the ceremony is the cutting of the cake. |
