A wedding is a common ceremony spread widely amongst almost all the nations and traditions. But Sri Lankan weddings somehow are more colourful and interesting than the majority. It is not only because of the colourful jewellery and costumes, it's also because of the traditions and the customs that we follow. By following these rituals and traditions it is believed that the married couple will be blessed with prosperity and fortune.
The wedding culture in Sri Lanka consists of two different traditions, the Up country tradition also known as the Uda Rata tradition and the Southern Tradition also known as the Pahatha Rata tradition. The Uda Rata weddings are the most colourful ones and it is believed to be indigenous to Sri Lanka. The Pahatha Rata customs have a south Indian touch.
The traditional Sri Lankan Wedding Ceremony is a beautiful exchange of vows and symbolic gifts that dates back to 300 BC. These traditional Buddhist Weddings are influenced by the Hindu culture which gives prominence to "Nekath" which refers to the auspicious time.
The entire traditional marriage Poruwa ceremony takes about 45 minutes and proceeds as follows: