11/04/2024
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, also known as Aluth Avurudhu (in Sinhala) and Puthandu (in Tamil), is a significant cultural and religious festival celebrated in Sri Lanka and by the Tamil community in India and around the world. It usually falls on April 13th or 14th each year, marking the beginning of the traditional new year according to the lunar calendar.
The festival is a time of joy, renewal, and family gatherings, with various customs and rituals observed to usher in the new year. One of the central aspects of the celebration is the cleaning and decorating of homes, symbolizing purification and welcoming prosperity.
The dawn of the new year is heralded by the transition of the sun from the zodiac sign of Pisces to Aries, known as the astrological New Year moment. Families gather to engage in religious rituals, prayers, and traditional customs to ensure a prosperous year ahead. These may include lighting of oil lamps, offering of fruits, sweets, and flowers to deities, and seeking blessings from elders.
A significant feature of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the preparation and sharing of traditional foods such as kiribath (milk rice), kokis (crispy fried snacks), and sweets like kavum and mung kavum. These dishes hold cultural and symbolic significance, representing prosperity, unity, and the harvest season.
Throughout the festivities, cultural performances, traditional games, and events take place, bringing communities together to celebrate their shared heritage and traditions. Games like tug-of-war, pillow fights, and breaking of the clay pot filled with treasures (known as the 'Avurudu Kumara') are enjoyed by people of all ages.
Overall, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival is a time of spiritual reflection, family bonding, and cultural celebration, embodying the rich traditions and values of Sri Lanka and the Tamil community.