The Sinhala and Tamil New Year

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year or as we all call it “Avurudu” in Sinhala, is an important national holiday for both Sinhala Buddhists and the Tamil Hindus of Sri Lanka. It is unique because it is not celebrated in any other country as a national festival.

There is greenery everywhere; fresh leaves on trees, flowers in bloom, vegetables and fruits in plenty and the songs of birds in the air. The aroma of sweetmeats, the sound of raban (Traditional Drum) and the  koha's (A bird) cry, symbolize that the entire country is ready to celebrate this national festival.

The Aluth Avurudda signifies the reaping of the harvest and social customs especially of the farming community. After the Maha harvest, the farmers celebrate the occasion giving thanks. and these customs and rituals portray the beliefs and thoughts of these people whose lives are centered around agriculture. On the 13th & 14th of April entire Sri Lanka celebrated this event as a one family.