Usually, Sinhala and Hindu Traditional sri lankan New Year (Aluth Avurudu) is celebrated on the 13th and 14th of April, to mark the close to the year before as well as the beginning of the New Year. As the first signs of spring appear, Sri Lankans are reminded of the time for a range of celebrations, which include the beats of the “rabana”(traditional drum with a single side).
It’s an extremely anticipated period of the year In Sri Lanka. With the pleasant sound that is”the Cuchoo bird (also known to be Koha or Asian Koel) that can be heard all through the month from April in addition to the many rituals celebrations, this Sinhala, as well as Tamil New Year, is an event that is celebrated in a way that brings everyone Lankans across from different parts across the globe.
The “Sinhala Aluth Avurudda, also known as Puthandu” is celebrated in many homes, primarily Buddhist and Hindu communities when the sun shifts across the sky from Pisces to Aries to mark the conclusion of harvest time. From a selection of customs from the past to tasty sweets and entertaining activities that take place during this time of year, everyone has the chance to be happy. Sri Lanka has the chance to express gratitude and take part in celebrations together as one family.
Nonagathaya Time
According to Sinhalese beliefs, this period is used to observe and carry out rituals of worship. The period that runs between the end of the Old Year and the dawning of the New Year which is referred to as “Nonagathe is also called Nonagathaya” is a relatively unimportant and middle period. Buddhists are also urged to halt their daily routines and seek blessings from their monks/priests. The people are seen going to their temples in white clothing, which is always a beautiful sight.
Sri Lankan New Year Welcoming
The preparations for the New Year are planned well in advance on the island of Sri Lanka. From cleaning and painting their homes to purchasing new clothing for their family members and cooking traditional sweets, The chores are never-ending. The rice made from milk is cooked following that, and the sweets are shared with the entire family, and later distributed to neighbours too.
The milk spilling all around the pot is believed to bring luck to everyone in the family. This simple gesture signifies unification across all without limitations. Transactions in business and money are conducted in this specific time to seek luck and blessings to succeed.
Sinhala and Hindu New Year Foods
The best times for lighting the fire and boiling the milk in a pot are declared by thousands of fireworks. Family members gather by the fireplace to witness the milk boil since it is believed to be a sign of luck. Kiribath (milk-rice) can be cooked and the family eats an evening meal, which includes the sweetmeats that were previously prepared and fruit (bananas). The first transaction in the business calendar of the new year will be completed according to a set time.
The preparations for this wonderful celebration begin weeks before as families wash the house and apply paint. purchase new clothes and presents for their family members. The most important purchase to make is the brand new clay pot that will be used to boil the milk will be cooked to boil on New Year’s Day. Traditional sweetmeats like Kavum (small oils cakes), Kokis (a crisp and chewy dessert), Aluwa (diamond-shaped sweets made from rice flour) Mung kavum, mung kavum, and many others are prepared ahead of time and keep stored until the big day celebration.
Other Traditions of New Year
From schoolchildren to farmers and even schoolchildren, everyone is involved in the daily chores. It is the time when people begin their work, determined to improve their performance and gain more in the new year. A betel leaf sheaf is given to each elder within the family, while the younger ones ask to receive their prayers for the coming year. Another custom passed down over the years throughout Sri Lanka is paying homage to the elderly.
The most auspicious times are offered within”Palpala Litha ” Palapala Litha” in which there is the time to go to work. Between these ceremonies, A special ceremony is performed to apply an oil that is typically conducted by the family’s oldest member. It is practised in their temples and also in the places where the prelate is observed carrying out the custom that symbolizes the healthy future of the people. A lot of people travel to their home towns in their New Year Holidays and head back to their jobs hoping to do better in the next year.
Food is always served and everyone is seen having fun with the festivities, casting and putting aside their creeds. People organize fun-filled activities that include the beating of drums as well as a myriad of games, such as tug-of-war and pillow fights, etc. It brings lots of joy to everyone who participates and to cheer. Many suburbs, towns, villages and even resorts, hotels and guest houses are celebrating the New Year Festivities in an elegant or simple way.
