My Neighborhood Watch #58 - Reporting Events Around Us

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On Saturday, July 27, 2024, my neighbor's daughter was married. The wedding reception was held at Avendra Hotel in Negombo, Western Province of Sri Lanka. All of our neighbors were invited to this celebration, and both my husband and I, as well as my son and daughter-in-law, attended with our neighbors. We left our house at about 9.30 a.m. because it takes around one hour to get to the hotel. We had plenty of time to arrive for the Poruwa ceremony, which began at 11.03 a.m.

When we arrived, some of our other neighbors were already being attended to, so we joined them with a smile. We were handed a wedding cake and a glass of orange juice as our welcome drink. As the Poruwa Ceremony began at 11.03 a.m., we gathered around the Poruwa to observe our traditional rituals. Traditional wedding ceremonies for Sri Lankans, particularly Sinhalese, began with the bride and partner stepping onto a decorated Poruwa.

Poruwa refers to a wooden platform decorated with vibrant traditional items such as fresh flowers and colorful clothes. Coconut leaves and areca nut palm leaves are woven into beautiful designs all around the platform. In addition, traditional oil lamps and metal pots filled with water are set on the platform to bring blessings and prosperity. More details on Poruwa

Family members greeted the newlyweds on the poruwa with traditional drumming. Next, the couple exchanges betel leaves as a symbol of respect and harmony. To represent unity, a thread was knotted around each other's small fingers. After that, the couple fed each other milk rice to symbolize prosperity and sharing. Finally, they exchanged their rings and other presents, such as materials, to symbolize their commitment. After singing the traditional chant "Jayamangala Gatha" for the couple's happiness, they stepped off the poruwa together.

When it came time for lunch, we were served rice and curries at a buffet-style table Sri Lankan wedding often consists of 15 to 20 curries, three to five types of rice, and many desserts. After enjoying our lunch and dessert, we went to the dance floor and danced for almost an hour with my neighbors. Some gentlemen had drunk and leaned on our bodies, so we left the area and went to our seats.

As the wedding ended around 3.0 a.m., we returned to our house, grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our bonds with our neighbors.

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