New Year is one of the most important festivals and public holidays in Sri Lanka. It is celebrated by both Sinhalese Buddhists who call it "Aluth Avurud" and by Tamil Hindus who call it "Puthandu". We invite you to discover the Tamil and Sinhalese rituals of the Sri Lankan New Year.

When is the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year celebrated in Sri Lanka?

The Sinhalese and Tamil communities celebrate the New Year on the same day. It takes place each year between April 13 and 14. The date and time are determined by astrologers based on the solar cycle. Astrology also sets precise times for the performance of certain rituals, such as the time of the first family meal.

Traditionally, the Sri Lankan New Year marks the transition from the harvest season to the rainy season, symbolizing renewal and fertility. The celebrations last two days during which residents do not work and children are on vacation. These are public holidays, which is why most shops are closed and transport moves slowly. Some shops also close during the week preceding the New Year.

The different stages of the Sri Lankan New Year

For both Tamils and Sinhalese, the Sri Lankan New Year is prepared and celebrated in several stages:

Sri Lankan rituals before the New Year

House cleaning:

Preparations for the Sri Lankan New Year begin several days or weeks before the official date. Indeed, Tamils and Sinhalese typically undertake a thorough cleaning of their homes. This is believed to bring good luck and happiness to their family for the coming year.

Shopping:

To prepare traditional New Year dishes, Sri Lankans do their shopping several days before the big day. It's also an opportunity to buy new clothes that they'll wear in the new year, as well as all the gifts and sweets they'll give to loved ones. It's worth noting that wearing new clothes (from head to toe) on New Year's Day is considered a sign of good luck. Locals typically wear white for the occasion.

Nonagathaya, the neutral period:

There is a neutral period (called Nonagathaya or Nonagatha) defined by astrology that lasts approximately 12 hours. This period begins when the sun starts to cross the astrological boundary between "the House of Pisces" and "the House of Aries" and ends when the crossing is complete.

During this time, Sri Lankans must not work, but should dedicate their time to religious practice. They visit Hindu and Buddhist temples and make offerings. Stoves must remain extinguished until further notice.

The bathing ritual:

On the last day of the year, Sri Lankans follow the bathing ritual. During the ceremonial bath, they apply a mixture of herbs over their entire body, from head to toe. This is a purification ritual.

At the same time, it is not uncommon to hear bells and drums ringing from village temples. This alerts communities to the times set by astrology to perform each ritual at the right moment.

Sri Lankan rituals during the New Year

The milk ceremony:

The New Year is welcomed with the milk ceremony which, like all rituals, takes place at a precise time set by astrologers. Fresh milk is heated in a traditional clay pot purchased for the occasion. The milk must boil over the rim of the pot. This ritual symbolizes prosperity.

Food preparation:

Once the milk ceremony is complete, families can then light the stoves and prepare the traditional New Year meal. This consists mainly of kiribath, a sweet milk rice. In addition to cooking rice, several traditional sweets and pastries are prepared such as kokis (cakes made from rice flour and coconut milk) and watalappans (a pudding made with coconut and spices such as cardamom, cloves and nutmeg) as well as sweet meats and Lunu miris (a paste made from chillies and salt).

In addition to being consumed, sweets serve as gifts for neighbors and loved ones.

Blessing of the elders:

Next comes the time for offerings. Traditionally, all household members come to greet each of the family elders in turn by presenting them with betel leaves to show their gratitude. The younger ones sometimes give them areca nuts in addition to the betel leaves. In return, the elders give their blessings.

Distribution of food:

During the New Year period, people are encouraged to show generosity and kindness. This is why Sri Lankans visit their neighbors to give them the sweets they prepared beforehand.

Exchange of money in betel leaves:

It is also the time to exchange money within the family. To do this, each family member hides money in a betel leaf. Everyone gives what they can afford. The exchanges are made randomly. This ritual is performed to bring good fortune for the coming year in business matters.

Family meal:

During the New Year, the family meal is one of the most important moments for Sri Lankans. It marks the intimacy and harmony of the family. This is why the entire family gathers together and enjoys the different dishes together.

Blessing of water:

The blessing of water is a ritual practiced by some Sri Lankans, particularly in rural areas. It involves throwing coins into a well as a way of giving thanks for the water consumed in the past year and for that to come.

Games and sports festivals:

Once the traditional rituals are over, families enjoy numerous family games. On the agenda: musical chairs, egg and spoon races, sack races... It's a time for celebration and fun, both for children and adults!

Furthermore, many festivals and sporting competitions take place throughout the country for the occasion. Among the traditional sports organized, you'll find kotta pora, a balancing game on a beam, tug of war, vintage car races, golf tournaments and horse racing competitions...

Good to know:

Although Tamils and Sinhalese celebrate the New Year at the same time, the rituals can differ slightly from one community to another. For example, on the eve of Puthandu, Tamils prepare a plate with fruits, betel leaves, gold and silver jewelry, coins, flowers and a mirror to bring them good fortune. Their meal is vegetarian and they decorate the ground at the entrances of houses with Kolams, geometric drawings made with colored rice powder.