Celebrating traditions passed on from generation to generation. The island is a lively place, lit up with a plethora of activities, the delicious sweets, avurudu games and auspicious timing.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year, generally known as Aluth Avurudda (Sinhala: අලුත් අවුරුද්ද) in Sri Lanka. The timing of the Sinhala New Year coincides with the new year celebrations of many traditional calendars of South and Southeast Asia. The festival has close semblance to the Tamil New year and other South and Southeast Asian New Years. It is a public holiday in Sri Lanka. It is generally celebrated on 13 April or 14 April and traditionally begins at the sighting of the new moon
According to Sinhalese astrology, New Year begins when the sun moves from Meena Rashiya (the house of Pisces) to Mesha Rashiya (the house of Aries). It also marks the end of the harvest season and of spring.
Sri Lankan tradition dates back to ancient kingdoms and Veddas.. influenced by many different cultures while maintaining the authentic originality of the Sri Lankan New year, celebrations have become what it is today. The island’s multi cultural background pulls strands of heritage into every meal cooked and every tradition explored. They can be very particular about how they go about their day during this week.
The day will begin, after careful consideration of auspicious timing with new clothes by boiling a pot of milk is lit over traditional firewood and left to overflow to symbolise prosperity for the new year. There after breakfast will be served with a wide array of sweets and milk rice laid out on the tables for a joyous start. These sweets are delicious and carry a completely different flavour palate in comparison to things like chocolate or candy. Brilliantly homemade or purchased from a cook who has been in the game for a very long time.
In many locations you’ll find many little gatherings for festival games. These games are a brilliant experience because they range from attempting to eat a bun with your hands tied behind your back to a sort of pillow fight up in the air on a horizontal pole. If you visit Sri Lanka during April, it will create some great memories.
The locals here generally maintain a close bond with their parents because it is ingrained in the culture to have deep respect. So while on holiday, they usually spend time with family in a simple yet meaningful way. Keeping traditions alive.