Stages in a Kandyan wedding ceremony, Kandy, Sri Lanka - The 'Poruwa'

The 'Poruwa' where the Bride and Groom will be made to stand during the auspicious time.

The coconut awaiting to be broken when the couple step down from the 'Poruwa'.

The Conch being blown to announce the auspicious time.

Drums being beaten when the couple ascend the 'Poruwa'.

The custom of ascending the 'Poruwa' is related by Robert Knox the English prisoner, in his Journal written about the customs in the Kandyan Kingdom of the 15th Century AD.

A wedding in Kandy, Sri Lanka - 'The welcome'

The wecome arch of flowers with the 'full pots' on either side.

The drummers and dancers escorting the bride to the 'Poruwa'.

A dancer holding a conch shell.

The 'Master of ceremonies' near the 'Poruwa". The person who recites the 'Ashtaka'.

The traditions in a Kandyan Wedding are many. These pictures are snaps I took of the various items of interest in a wedding in May 2013.

Flowers in our home garden, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Inside Munneeswaram Sivan Kovil, Chilaw, Sri Lanka.

Some of the flowers in bloom at the 'Amaya Hills Hotel' Dangolla, Kandy, Sri Lanka.

'Cannas'

Orchids

Fairy Bells

Scenes inside Muneeswaram Sivan Temple, Chilaw, Sri Lanka.

Sand spread on the floor to teach an infant to write at an auspicious hour..

Scenes outside the 'Munneeaswaram' temple, Chilaw, Sri Lanka.

The 'Aachchi' selling coconuts to the devotees.

An elderly devotee breaking a coconut.

A female devotee breaking a coconut.

Feeding a cow.

The perimeter of the temple