I love photographing Sri Lankan weddings and have done so a few times in the past few years in Winnipeg. These Sri Lankan marriage ceremonies are beautiful and I have the order of events listed below.
Sri Lanka is located off the coast of India. Just below the southern tip to the East.
Sri Lankan weddings have two different traditions. the Up country tradition which is known as the Uda Rata tradition and the Southern Tradition also known as the Pahatha Rata. The Sri Lankan weddings that are the most colourful are the Uda Rata ones and it is believed to be indigenous to Sri Lanka. The Pahatha Rata customs have a south Indian touch.
Sri Lankan Wedding Ceremony Event Process
- The bride and groom usually follow a mini procession with Kandyan traditional dancers and drummers to the ceremony.
- The couple to be married is called up to a marriage platform called the Poruwa, blowing of the conch shell.
- The couple will exchange a sheaf of betel leaves exactly 7 times that means the bond, unity and love will last for 7 generations. They will also exchange vows during this time.
- The Sri Lankan marriage is solidified by tying the index fingers of the couple with a golden chain and water poured on it by the minister from a Kandiyan crafted silver jug whilst chanting blessings from God.
- The couple will then exchange rings and feed each other milk, rice and water, a symbolic pledge to take care of each other for life.
- To celebrate the marriage young girls clad in the traditional Sri Lankan saree will sing wedding songs. The girls are traditionally given a symbolic gift.
- A coconut is dashed to bless them with children as soon as they are invited to step down from the marriage stage.
- An oil lamp lit will also be lit by the couple and parents that symbolises light and hope.
- As traditional marriages go, the couple and two witnesses will sign the marriage certificate.
- After the Sri Lankan wedding ceremony in Sri Lanka the couple can go for an elephant ride on a beach if they choose. In Winnipeg that wouldn’t be an option unless you got lots of money and permits
If you’re interested in more information regarding weddings visit our resource page for tips and advice.
St Ignatius Church wedding
This was the second St Ignatius Church wedding I’ve photographed and the second Sri Lankan wedding. Their ceremony at the church was beautiful. I still remember when those church doors opened for Navi to walk down the aisle. Himath’s expression when he first saw his bride come down that isle was beautiful. I’m so happy […]