Getting Ready for Sinhala and Tamil New Year in Sri Lanka
Every April, Sri Lankans across the island—both Sinhalese and Tamil—prepare for one of the most culturally significant and joyful festivals: the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, also known as Aluth Avurudu in Sinhala and Puthandu in Tamil.
This traditional festival marks the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one, based on the movement of the sun from the Meena Rashiya (Pisces) to the Mesha Rashiya (Aries). It’s a time when the entire country is filled with warmth, family spirit, and a deep sense of tradition.
Cleaning and Decorating Homes
In the days leading up to the New Year, households across Sri Lanka undergo a thorough cleaning. Old items are thrown away, and homes are decorated with fresh flowers, colorful lanterns, and traditional kolam or rangoli patterns, especially in Tamil homes. This symbolizes letting go of the past and welcoming prosperity and good fortune.
Preparing Traditional Food
Food plays a central role in the New Year celebration. Sinhala families prepare dishes such as kiribath (milk rice), kokis, athirasa, aluwa, and mung kavum, while Tamil households prepare special sweets like paal pongal, laddu, murukku, and other festive snacks. These foods are shared with neighbors and relatives, strengthening bonds within the community.
Buying New Clothes
Wearing new clothes during the New Year is a shared tradition. People usually dress in colors recommended by astrologers for the year ahead. It’s a symbol of new beginnings, purity, and joy.
Observing Auspicious Times
Sri Lankans follow nekath (auspicious times) for important rituals like lighting the hearth, preparing the first meal, performing transactions, and exchanging greetings. These rituals bring families together in harmony and are believed to bring blessings for the year ahead.
Religious and Cultural Activities
Families visit temples, kovils, and engage in blessings and rituals for health and prosperity. The oil-anointing ceremony (hisa thel gema in Sinhala and ennai chaatu in Tamil) is a common tradition where elders bless the younger members with herbal oil.
Games and Gatherings
New Year is a time for fun as well. Traditional games like pancha keliya, olinda keliya, leekeli, pillow fights, and tug-of-war are enjoyed in villages and towns. Music, dance, and cultural performances also add color to the season.