An Avurudu and Ramadan bonanza for low-income families Source:Dailynews The Government decided to provide an allowance of Rs. 5,000 during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year to the low-income and Samurdhi families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Such an allowance was offered for several months during the lockdown period last year as well. This is an initiative of the Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival headed by former Minister Basil Rajapaksa. ...
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Happy New Year! Source:Island Tuesday 13th April, 2021 The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the time when ordinary people have their fill of merrymaking, and traders and pawnbrokers laugh all the way to the bank. The much-talked-about need to preserve traditions associated with the national festival for posterity is only an excuse for the annual splurge. What is being celebrated is essentially a harvest festival. In days of yore, people toiled away for months and produced a surplus, part of which was set aside for the New Year festivities. They did not have to worry about the rest of the year as they had enough food stocks. Today, there is no such surplus production, and most people spend borrowed money on New Year celebrations only to regret later when the festive hangover gives way to sobering reality. ...
Avurudu Aroma around the corner-by Lionel Wijesiri Source:Dailynews The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is upon us. This is the time of family togetherness, the tempting aroma of the fragrant sweets, whole variety of traditional games – and the unique celebrations made up of a complex motley that includes facets of indigenous, Sinhala, Hindu and astrology-based customs and rituals. Astrologically, when the sun moves from the Meena Rashiya (House of Pisces) to the Mesha Rashiya (House of Aries) in the celestial sphere, Sinhala Buddhists and Hindu Tamils will begin celebrating their Aluth Avurudda and Puththandu respectively. According to Hindu mythology, once in every year, ‘Indradeva’, the Prince of Peace descends upon the earth to ensure peace and happiness among individuals. The colour of dress he wears varies each year and the astrologers advise us to wear that particular colour during the festival season. ...
Observing food discipline, Covid guidelines, key to a heart healthy New Year-BY CAROL ALOYSIUS Source:Sundayobserver In a couple of days, the National New year will dawn on us. As we celebrate this joyous harvest festival, one must not forget that we are still in the midst of a Covid-19 spread where observing strict guidelines issued by the Health Ministry is a must even when re-uniting with our families for the occasion. Excessive consumption of rich sugar and oil laden foods is common even among patients on prescribed diets leading to cardiac problems, cholesterol and early non-communicable diseases. ...
