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The much anticipated Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most vibrant festivals celebrated in the island nation of Sri Lanka. As its name suggests the festival is observed by both of the two largest communities in Sri Lanka. Falling on the 14th of April this festival is closely linked to the local astrological traditions which regulate the event.

Overall the new year celebrations can be seen to be a complex blend of Buddhist, Hindu, astrological and other indigenous traditions. Many of the new year customs, rituals and festivities are thought to have originated as celebrations marking the completion of the harvest. After the arrival of Buddhism the existing customs were modified in the light of the new religion.

Many interesting festivities are associated with the occasion. Unlike Western new year celebrations, in the Sri Lankan tradition there is a neutral period of a number of hours between the end of the previous year and the commencement of the anticipated new year. In this neutral ‘nonagathe’ interval Sri Lankans are advised to refrain from serious work or study and instead to engage in religious customs or amuse themselves with traditional pastimes.

The main cultural customs begin soon after the commencement of the new year. The home is cleaned and a customary oil lamp is lighted. In rural communities women often get together to play upon the raban (a kind of drum) to welcome the new year. The other customs are carried out according to precise astrological computations. At exactly the correct auspicious moments the hearth is lit, the festive milk rice is prepared, token transactions are carried out and the festive food is enjoyed. In addition to the milk rice other festive foods include the hath maluwa (curry with seven ingredients), oil cake, other festive sweetmeats and bananas.

At the various auspicious timings you will hear the sound of firecrackers. After the customs are completed, people mingle in homes and the streets and there is a joyous spirit in the air. At this time everyday cares are forgotten and everybody enjoys the festive atmosphere.

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