Sinhala and Tamil New Year's Day in Sri Lanka

Sinhala and Tamil New Year, also known as "Aluth Avurudda" (in Sinhala) and "Puthandu" (in Tamil), is a major cultural celebration in Sri Lanka that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the new year. It typically falls on the 13th or 14th of April according to the solar calendar.

History

The festival has its roots in ancient customs and astrological beliefs. It is based on the sun's movement from Meena Rashiya (the house of Pisces) to Mesha Rashiya (the house of Aries) in astrology. The celebration is intertwined with both Buddhism, practiced by the Sinhalese people, and Hinduism, practiced by Tamils.

Traditions

• Auspicious Times: Activities are done at specific auspicious times determined by astrologers, including lighting the hearth, preparing meals, and engaging in transactions.
• Traditional Foods: Preparing and sharing traditional sweetmeats such as 'kokis', 'kavum', 'athirasa', and 'murukku'.
• New Clothes: People wear new clothes usually in auspicious colors as determined by astrological signs.
• Games and Sports: Engaging in traditional games and sports such as 'kotta pora' (pillow fighting), 'onchili padama' (swing playing), and carrom.
• Rituals: Various rituals are observed that symbolize different aspects like prosperity, health, and social relationships. Anointing oil on one's head during an auspicious time is one such ritual.

What People Do

On this day, families wake up early, observe religious ceremonies, exchange gifts, visit relatives, pay respects to elders with betel leaves, engage in traditional music and dance performances. People also clean their homes prior to the new year as a symbol of renewal.

This festival emphasizes social cohesion, relaxation after a year of hard work related to agriculture, settling old debts, renewing relationships with kinship ties being reaffirmed.