Ageless Celebration-By Samangie Wettimuny
Source:Sundayobserver
It is the Avurudu season once more, filling the air with its festive spirit. For generations, April has been special to us, a great time of togetherness, where laughter and memories create a beautiful atmosphere of happiness and love. It is the ideal period of the year to cherish the splendour and richness of our cultural values and heritage. From the vibrant Avurudu rituals to mouth-watering Avurudu sweetmeats, the festival carries its unique charm. Amid celebrations, the Sinhalese and Tamils find moments of gratitude, reflection, and unity as well, the simple, yet true pleasures in life that bind us together as human beings.
Although many of us traditionally exchange New Year cards on January 1, according to the Gregorian Calendar followed in Europe, for Tamils and Sinhalese, the New Year or Avurudu commences with the transition of the Sun from Meena Rashi (Pisces) to Mesha Rashi (Aries). Aside from New Year customs and rituals such as observing the new moon, lighting the hearth, eating meals at auspicious times, engaging in transactions, boiling milk on the hearth, and oil anointing customs, there are various New Year games that people play after the New Year’s dawn.
Extended family system
We are still lucky to have our extended family system intact, and having older relatives living with us is truly a blessing. They often reminisce about the authentic New Year celebrations of the past, where they could fully immerse themselves in the festivities instead of just watching them on TV or social media. While these televised events may lack the same charm, they too play a role in preserving our traditions. Our parents and grandparents fondly recount tales of running through orchards, enjoying the taste of wild fruits and nuts under the village sun.
Nature’s festival
The New Year celebration is not only a time for festivity, but also a tribute to nature itself. It honours the sun’s transition, symbolising renewal, and hope, and celebrates nature’s abundance in its full glory. From the vibrant colours of blooming Erambudu and many more flowers to the cheerful songs of Koha, the Asian koel, every aspect of nature’s beauty is embraced and celebrated during the avurudu season.
Diverse views
Most importantly, this great cultural festival transcends generations and bridges the gap between the old and the small. The writer spoke to several individuals spanning generations – from the Silent Generation to Generation Alpha- to explore their views and perspectives on Traditional Avurudu celebrations and its significance to them and gather their sentiments on the cultural celebration.
While some older people were unsure about when to have meals or light the hearth due to the controversy related to ‘Avurudu Nekath’ this year ‘, others stressed the necessity of strictly following customs, believing it to be unlucky to deviate from tradition.
Impact of Covid-19
“It’s truly disheartening that, since the Covid-19 pandemic began, I haven’t experienced a single New Year celebration to my satisfaction,” said a retired banker. Reflecting on the situation, she sadly noted the waning enthusiasm among her children and grandchildren. “We’re still not back to our usual rhythm,” she added, longing for a return to normalcy.
A retired school principal, now frail and unable to do much, spends her days doing charity work. She feels nostalgic when reminiscing about the mid-60s when she and her siblings celebrated New Year with their family. She fondly recalls the scent of new clothes and the joyous hours spent playing New Year’s games. “Our house was always filled with relatives,” she reminisced. “My father would generously distribute small gifts to those who came to offer Bulath (Betel leaves),” she added with a smile.
