Chandrika Perera with a traditional Kandyan bride.
There’s nothing like the cultural symbolism that’s woven into weddings celebrated throughout the world. Sri Lankans are not exceptional. From distinctive veils to timeless silk sarees, Sri Lankan bridals are unique.
The traditional bridal look belongs to the Kandyan tradition. (In Sri Lankan the traditional bridals are called Kandyan bridals).
Sri Lankans always tend to honour their cultural identity on milestone days like a wedding. Chandrika Perera is an independent bridal makeup artist and hairdresser who has made the special day of many Sri Lankan brides in Doha memorable.
“Sri Lankan bridals are unique and in traditional attire Kandyan brides are resplendent. Sri Lankans who chose to have their wedding in Doha prefer the traditional bridal wear,” said Chandrika arguably the first make-up artist to offer traditional Sri Lankan bridals.
On the wedding day, the bride usually wears a heavily embroidered silk saree with a long blouse. The saree is weighed down with beads, pearls, stones, and sequins. The traditional accessory and jewelry are worn in line with the royal costume.
“The Kandyan bride wears a sari variation called the osariya, which is also known more generally as the Kandyan sari. Kandyan brides are also covered head to toe in jewels. From their headpiece, their Nalalpata, which stretches across their forehead, to their layers of seven chains with heavy Padakkam, or pendants,” said Chandrika, adding that she offers all traditional jewellery to brides.
“Bouquet is another important feature of the bridal. The aspect of a bouquet solely depends on the outfit of the bride. I make the bouquet for some brides and others do get it done by florists,” said Chandrika.
With more than 20 years of experience in bridal dressing, Chandrika believes that the beauty of the bride comes with every aspect of the bride complementing one another. She without a doubt captured many hearts with her sheer taste and understanding of what best suits the bride. Besides the traditional attires, some Sri Lankans also choose to wear a saree or frock and a veil.
“Brides have different wishes about how they wish to look on the big day. I always try to harmonise the wishes of the bride with the beauty of their skin tone and loveliness of her face and her elegance. In brief, I want to bring out that inner beauty in the bride,” said Chandrika.
According to her, in recent days, more Sri Lankans have their weddings in Doha; on many occasions, only a few family members and friends will be present at the ceremony.
Recalling a heart-touching moment Chandrika said, “Traditionally the bride’s mother places the Nalapata on the bride’s head at a previously determined auspicious time. For some brides, their parents are not in Doha. For one such bride I placed the Nalapata, while the bride’s mother was watching over a video call. That was a very emotional moment for all of us and I will carry that memory all my life.”
Chandrika also does bridals for brides from India and Pakistan; she has worked on several independent projects and photo shoots as a makeup artist. “One of the memorable projects was working for a trailer related to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and be a small part of the historic event,” she said.
