In the heart of a Sri Lankan wedding lies a moment steeped in beauty, symbolism, and centuries-old tradition—the Poruwa Ceremony.
Whether you’re a Sri Lankan couple honouring your heritage or celebrating love through a multicultural lens, the Poruwa adds a meaningful, graceful touch to your wedding day. At Serendip, we’ve been privileged to plan many Poruwa ceremonies—each one unique, yet equally magical in its essence.
Here’s everything you need to know.
🌺 What is the Poruwa Ceremony?
The Poruwa is a traditional Sinhala Buddhist wedding ritual, where the couple is united through a series of symbolic customs performed on a beautifully decorated wooden platform (the poruwa), often adorned with flowers, coconut leaves, and cultural motifs.
It’s a ritual that honours ancestry, blessings, and union, involving both families in a deeply respectful and elegant way.
🪵 The Poruwa Stage
The ceremony takes place on a raised wooden platform—symbolically representing a sacred space. Its design varies from modern minimal to ornately traditional, often decorated in:
- Lotus flowers (symbol of purity)
- Coconut leaves and jasmine
- Brass oil lamps and traditional motifs
Couples step onto the Poruwa together—usually dressed in Kandyan attire for brides and traditional sarong and jacket for grooms.
🕊️ Key Rituals in a Poruwa Ceremony
Each Poruwa may differ slightly depending on family customs, but some of the most common rituals include:
1. Stepping onto the Poruwa
The bride and groom step onto the platform together, symbolizing their entrance into married life.
2. Offering of Betel Leaves
The couple offers betel leaves to elders, signifying respect and seeking blessings.
3. Tying of the Little Fingers (Pan Wedeema)
The couple’s pinky fingers are tied with a gold thread while a blessed coconut is broken—symbolising the bond of unity and strength.
4. Pouring Water (Wasirak Gasa Gannawa)
Water is poured over the couple’s tied hands over a white cloth and into a brass basin—signifying purity and the continuity of the couple’s lineage.
5. Exchange of Gifts (Deegawastha)
Gifts are exchanged between the families, often including cloth and jewellery.
6. Lighting the Oil Lamp
The couple lights a traditional oil lamp together, a ritual that represents light, hope, and prosperity in their new journey.
💫 The Spiritual and Emotional Significance
The Poruwa isn’t just a beautiful moment to witness—it’s deeply spiritual. It’s a celebration of union, family, and tradition. Every step taken, every offering made, and every chant spoken holds symbolic weight. It’s a pause in the fast-paced celebration—a grounding ritual that connects the couple to generations before and after.
💍 Blending the Traditional with the Modern
At Serendip Events, we love helping couples weave in the Poruwa ceremony in ways that honour tradition without losing their personal style. Whether it’s:
- Styling a Poruwa with modern minimalism
- Combining the Poruwa with a Western ceremony
- Creating bilingual programs for international guests
- Or guiding families who may be new to the ritual
—we’re here to make it feel beautiful, personal, and seamless.
The Poruwa ceremony is more than just a ritual—it's a story. A story of two lives, two families, and two hearts coming together in front of those they love, grounded in culture and carried with grace.
Whether you're planning a full traditional celebration or blending cultures with a destination wedding twist, this sacred ritual remains a breathtaking way to begin your forever.