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Hindu Weddings

 

Hindu wedding is another wedding formation which can be observed in Sri Lankan culture. The establishment of Hindu weddings dates back to 4000 years and it is guided by many Hindu rituals which clearly depicts interdependence and the complementary nature of husband and wife relationship.

 

Melting of gold which is also known as Ponnurukku is a significant ritual in Hindu weddings which take place few days prior to the wedding. Molding the Bridal pendant (thaali) at the family goldsmith is attended by the groom and his family members in this day and bride does not participate in this event. During the same day cuttings from Bo Tree, Banyan Tree, and Margosa Tree are planted in the homes of the couple and this ritual is known as Kanni kaal planting.

 

The marriage of the bride and groom take place in (Mantapam/Medai). It is a canopy of wedding platform which has been auspiciously ornamented. During the ceremony, the father of the bride entrust his beloved daughter to the companion of the groom and groom promise to take care of her for ever.

 

At an auspicious time Tholan, the brother of the bride who plays the role of best man in the ceremony goes to groom's house with three or five wedded couples. A senior member of groom's family places Turban (thalaipa) on his head and he is accompanied to the wedding hall by groom's family members and relatives. And this ritual is known as Maapillai Alaippu

 

After the groom arrives the hall the wedding ceremony begins. At the entrance of the hall the groom is welcomed by bride's parents and relatives by placing him a flower garland. Bride's maid who is the grooms married sister, bears at tray with the bridal out fit Necklace and other gifts while two other ladies will bear a tray each with coconuts on one and sweet meats and flowers on the other.. This ritual is known as Maapillai Varavetpu.

 

The ceremony includes lot of blessings to the gods asking the god to save the couple from obstacles and misfortunes After conducting some of the rituals and blessings, bride is accompanied by her bride's maid (Tholi) flower girls and her family to the wedding ceremony. The groom then joins the bride at the manavarai and sits on the left and the main ceremony begins.

 

Tying wedding necklace plays a vital role in Hindu weddings. The couple exchange garlands for three times and feed each other with milk and fruits. This ritual symbolizes sweet and eternal partnership between each other. After that, the couple salutes the cow because in Hindu religion cow is a symbol of wealth. Couple takes the hand of each other and goes around fire. In Hindu marriage the couple promises to each other seven virtues including on going eternal, mutual commitment of nourishment, moral support and strength, chastity, happiness in parenthood, commitment, cherishment friendship, respect and love.

 

Sri Lankan Wedding Formations

 

Sri Lankan Wedding Formations » Buddhist/Poruwa Weddings

 

Sri Lankan Wedding Formations » Hindu Weddings

 

Sri Lankan Wedding Formations » Church Weddings