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Heralding the New Year Source:Sundayobserver The blossoming of the fiery red erabadu flower and the cry of the koha (Indian koel) signals the arrival of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. In Sinhala, this festival is known the Aluth Avurudda and also as the Surya Mangalya and Bak Maha Ulela. In Tamil, the New Year festival is called Puthu Varudam This much awaited festival takes place in April and this month is known as Bak in Sinhala. In Tamil this period is called Chiththarei Puruvadam or Puththandu. The origins of the Aluth Avurudda date back several centuries. In ancient times people worshipped Nature, the Sun, Moon and the Stars among other objects. The Sinhala farmers held a harvest festival to honour the Sun, Moon and the Goddess of fertility, Sath Paththini. This too was held in the month Bak or April. Gradually, these ancient festivals and customs evolved into the ...