Let's know about Magul Poruwa

On the day of the marriage, the cynosure of all eyes of the participants of the wedding is on the Magul Poruwa. The colorful construction of the Poruwa is the responsibility of the bride’s family. There are some individuals at the village level who are especially noted for such artistic work. It is the attraction of the entire ceremony so it should maintain the dignity of the family in front of their friends, neighbors and relatives alike.

The commencement of the construction also begins according to a “Nekatha” (an auspicious time). As the bride’s family consults the services of an astrologer (a person who deals with astrology) in matching the horoscopes (a description written on an ola leave or on paper describing what someone is like or what might happen to him in future based on the positioning of the planets at the time he/ she was born) of the future bride and the groom, the astrologer predicts an auspicious time based on the nature of the positioning of the planets on both horoscopes.

This is very important since the entire future of the couple begins at the Poruwa on which their social union takes place. The blessings of the Buddha and the Gods are invoked immediately before the construction begins. Thus the religious affiliations of the Poruwa rituals are noted.

The placement of the Poruwa is also vital. It should face the direction that gives prosperity to the couple as stated by the astrologer at the consultation of both horoscopes. In constructing and decorating the Poruwa people of different localities use plantain trunks (Musa acuminate or Musa balbisiana), arecanut logs (Areca catechu), coconut flowers (Cocos nucifera), young coconut leaves, Na leaves (Messua ferrea), Kohomba (Azadirachta indica), Koboleela (Bauhinia), Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), and Lily (Nymphaea stellata). Kohomba (Azadirachtaindica) is used since people believe in its qualities like hardness, medicinal value, and its divine affiliations.