Sinhala and Tamil New Year – By Donald Gunatillake
Source : Queensland Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – April 2023
Most countries in the world celebrate January 1st as the day a New Year is born. However, there are some other countries that adopt different calendars. For Sri Lankans, the month of April is generally regarded as the dawn of the traditional New Year. This is the period farmers reap their harvest from paddy cultivation, and fresh seedlings for the next cultivations are grown in hundred thousands acres of land across the country showing patches of greenery everywhere. Vegetables and fruits are available in plenty, flowers in bloom.
Aluth Avurudu was something we used to look forward to, both as children and even as adults. This was the occasion where everyone enjoyed the festivities steeped in tradition.
Traditionally, the much-awaited New Year is welcomed by lighting firecrackers at the auspicious time. Before commencing the bigger events, there is a neutral period (Nonagathaya) during which time people visit temples and engage in religious activities. At the next auspicious time on the 13th of April, lighting of the hearth is done to prepare milk rice which symbolises prosperity. Traditional Avurudu table has, in addition to Kiribath, a collection of sweetmeats such as Kavum, Kokis, Aggala and many more along with banana which is another colourful addition that decorates the meal table. The first meal of the New Year is taken at the next auspicious time, after lighting the traditional oil lamp. Everybody at home joins to enjoy the feast!
In the past fun games such as Pancha and Olinda Keliya and playing of Rabana were among the highlights of the celebration. These events certainly provide opportunities for people of all ages to interact together and enjoy the occasion. In addition, the whole village gets together and organises a series of outdoor events that include many traditional games. Children look forward to taking part in fun games such as eating buns, placing the eye on the elephant, tug of war, pillow fight, to name a few.
Another important feature of the New Year is to visit relatives and friends and renew their friendship. Before that, people pay respect to their parents and elders at home offering betel leaves. This is a significant feature that helps to strengthen the mutual relationship with all those around us.
We, who live away from our country, too have several New Year events, in Southeast Queensland, organised by the Sri Lankan societies and temples. Sri Lankans are eagerly waiting to take part in these events and enjoy the day. Children specially get a glimpse of rituals and traditions we used to follow back in Sri Lanka.
Wish you all a very happy New Year!!!
Donald Gunatillake
Donald is a retired civil engineer who worked in the Mahaweli Project in
Sri Lanka and then in the Department of Man Roads in Queensland.
He was a Radio 4EB broadcaster.
