Poruwa Sinhalese Wedding: Kandyan Attire and Rituals
The Poruwa Sinhalese Wedding was the only recognised wedlock arrangement in Sri Lanka before registered marriages became a thing in the 1870s. This is the most necessary part of a Sinhala wedding.
I recall it as if it happened yesterday. A to-be-wed couple walked in elaborate outfits early in the morning, while I was enjoying a good breakfast at Bandarawela Hotel‘s main restaurant. Both the bride and groom looked stunning in traditional Kandyan attire. The couple had stopped by the lobby for a pre-wedding shoot before embarking on their traditional wedding rituals. I took a seat near the restaurant’s outward end because I was intrigued by the costumes and the rituals. It was the ideal vantage point from where I could observe a Sinhalese wedding in progress.
The bride wore a silk bridal saree in a traditional cream colour. She had a large bouquet of white flowers in her hands. Her headpiece and gold jewellery shone brightly, and the red lipstick added a touch of drama. She wore a long chain with a Paddakama pendant and Mudumal Gasa, a large gold ring on her middle finger. Every detail of her outfit reminded me of the opulence of the Sinhala Kings. The groom was dressed in regal Mul Anduma, a style of clothing brought to Sri Lanka by the Nayakkar Royals.
His traditional Sinhala attire was cloaked in a brownish-red maroon colour. The groom wore a lovely four-corner, crown-like ornamental turban that was heavily embroidered with gold and silver strands on his head. His upper body was concealed by a jacket that reached up to his turban. The velvet jacket, designed by Villuda Hattey, was adorned with royal details such as pearls, sequins, lacework, and golden embroidery. Traditional Sinhala designs are featured in intricate patterns. It thrives with peacocks, lions, gurulas, swans, or two interlocked swan designs, among other popular motifs.
Despite the costume’s weight, the groom appeared to be at ease in it. Sudu Rali Kalisama/frilled trousers, Siriya/short dagger, and handmade shoes are also part of Mul Anduma. Siriya is equipped with a gleaming golden hilt. The Mul Anduma’s bottom section includes red Rathu Pachchawadama and Kavaniya, a large golden bordered cloth. Sudu Rali Kalisama, Rathu Pachchawadama, and Kavaniya combine to form the Mohottala Gatey, a large knot. This massive knot is held together by a brass clasp carved with a two-headed Gurula. Siriya is pushed into it.
The groomsmen and bridesmaids wore magnificent outfits as well. Meanwhile, the couple made their way to the front garden, where they planned to marry. Bandarawela Hotel’s outdoor garden was draped in aromatic twines of jasmine flowers, creating a picture-perfect backdrop. The sun was shining softly, and a light breeze blew gently, causing the jasmine flowers to sway from side to side. The celebrations of a Sinhala-Buddhist wedding last two days. The bride’s family hosts the poruwa ceremony on the first day. On the second day, the groom’s family hosts a traditional honeymoon and lavish reception.
The Poruwa Ceremony was the only recognised wedlock arrangement in Sri Lanka before registered marriages became a thing in the 1870s. This is the most necessary part of a Sinhala wedding. The bride and groom take the lead with their right feet and walk up to Poruwa, a traditional wooden platform that has been tastefully decorated. A Buddhist priest officiates and chants when the bride and groom meet on this poruwa. The couple then goes through a series of rituals with their heads bowed. The nuptial knot is tied, with a sacred thread by the bride’s father.
Following that, the fathers of the bride and groom gently pour holy water on the couple’s hands to commemorate their marriage. Following that, the bride and groom exchange rings, and the groom drapes a gold chain around her neck. The saree she will wear for her homecoming is then offered to her. Breaking a coconut, lighting an oil lamp, praying for good luck, and promising each other a lifetime of happiness were all part of the garden Poruwa ceremony.
