People in many countries believe in astrology, but horoscopes have a particularly enthusiastic following in Sri Lanka.
Many consult astrologers when choosing marriage partners, on when to start new jobs, or even to find out the auspicious time to leave their house in the morning.
And politicians are said to be heavily influenced by the stars too.
At a wedding hall in Colombo, a bride and groom are sitting on a stage brightly decorated with paintings of Hindu gods.
At their feet, several Hindu priests are breaking coconuts and lighting oil lamps, performing rituals to invoke blessings on the couple.
The invitation was very precise, the ceremony would take place at what was described as the auspicious time of 1109 local time, as set by astrologers.
It was an arranged marriage, and astrology had been a key factor in deciding whether Vijayaruban and Umaranjini should wed.
Their horoscopes had been examined to see if they were compatible.
“It matched 85% or something,” said Vijayaruban. “So it is a good thing. Both sets of parents are happy and we are happy.”
If the horoscopes had not been so attuned, he added, the family would have tried to find another girl for him to marry.
Astrological passport
Astrologers play a significant role in the lives of Sri Lankan people from the Tamil and Sinhala communities.

A child’s written horoscope is more important than a birth certificate
Eshwaran Kurukkal
Sixth generation astrologer
Eshwaran Kurukkal is the sixth generation in his family to perform the task, which is combined with priestly duties such as officiating at weddings.
He is a member of the Brahmin caste.
Every day, but especially on auspicious days, people come to visit him in his consulting rooms in his suburban Colombo house.
The astrologer wears traditional dress – a white sarong with a purple and gold border. He is bare-chested, with gold necklaces and diamond stud earrings.
His long hair is pulled back, and his wrists, elbows, shoulders and forehead have three white stripes, marked with powder.
Mr Eshwaran is examining a client’s horoscope, a printed book about the size of a passport.
Inside there are sections for name, names of parents, and the positions of the stars and planets at the date and precise time of birth.
Many people keep the documents throughout their lives.
“We think if we didn’t write a horoscope for a child when the child was born, it would be a very big sin,” says Mr Eshwaran. “That is important, more important than a birth certificate.”

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