Old rituals; doing it their way-By Yomal Senerath-Yapa and Sajani Ratnayake Boiling milk: One of the nine rituals associated with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.Pic by Indika Handuwala Source:Sundaytimes Avurudu has been celebrated in the island for millennia, an indigenous practice that probably harks back to yaksa and naga times. The Veddahs follow it propitiating their ne yakkas, testimony to its hoary vintage. The harvest festival, brimming with joy as the golden paddy had been reaped brings the nation together, but in recent years many have had to ‘cut corners’ given  the pressures of rising costs and the daily grind. The traditional Avurudu began with house cleaning, whitewashing, then the making of kevili. The first of the rituals was observing the new moon while the last was leaving for work. These two nekath today are mostly disregarded being impractical or –  as in the case of the first – ...

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Authentic Sri Lankan Thala Guli Recipe: A Taste of Tradition Embark on a culinary adventure to Sri Lanka with this authentic recipe for Thala Guli, a beloved sweet treat that captures the essence of the island’s rich heritage. Made with simple yet flavorful ingredients like rice flour, coconut, and jaggery, Thala Guli is a traditional delicacy enjoyed on special occasions and everyday gatherings alike. Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate the magic of Sri Lankan cuisine in your own kitchen and savor the sweet taste of tradition. Ingredients: 1 cup rice flour 1 cup freshly grated coconut 1 cup grated jaggery (or brown sugar) 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch of salt Water, as needed Instructions: In a dry skillet, roast the rice flour over medium heat until it turns light golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Stir constantly to prevent burning, and transfer the roasted ...

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