How to Celebrate Sinhala &Tamil New Year

Sri Lanka has a rich cultural heritage, which you can witness through the many festivals celebrated in the country. One such festival is the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, one of the most significant cultural celebrations in Sri Lanka. This festival is celebrated annually in April, which marks the beginning of the Sinhala and Tamil calendar. The festival is a time of joy, happiness, renewal, family gatherings, traditional rituals, and new year games.

What is Sinhala and Tamil New Year?

Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a celebration that is deeply rooted in the traditions and customs of Sri Lanka. This festival is celebrated by both the Sinhalese and Tamil communities and is a time of great significance.

The celebration of Sinhala and Tamil New Year is based on the movement of the sun from the House of Pisces to the House of Aries. The transition from one house to another is known as the dawn of the new year, and it is at this point that the celebrations begin.

Where can you see the festival?

Here are some of the best places to see the festival:

Kalutara: This is a coastal town located about 40 kilometres south of Colombo. Things to do in Kalutara during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year include a range of traditional activities. The town also features a collection of tourist accommodations like Mermaid Hotel & Club.

Kandy: A city in the central province, Kandy is known for its cultural significance. During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Kandy is a hub of traditional activities and celebrations.

Jaffna: This is a city located in the northernmost part of the island and is known for its vibrant Tamil culture and New Year celebrations.

Galle: Located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, Galle is known for its colonial heritage. During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Galle hosts a range of traditional activities.

Traditions

Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a time for traditional rituals and customs that have been passed down through generations.

One of the most important traditions is cleaning of the house and the preparation of traditional sweets and food. People also decorate their homes with colourful lights and traditional decorations like kolam and torans.

Another significant tradition is the lighting of the hearth. This ritual is performed at a specific time of the day, determined by astrologers, and marks the beginning of the new year. The lighting of the hearth symbolises hope and prosperity for the coming year.

Dawn of the New Year

The dawn of the new year is a significant moment in the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations. This is the time when Sri Lankans light oil lamps and perform traditional rituals to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. The sound of firecrackers and the lighting of fireworks are also common during this time.

New Year games

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is also a time for new year games and activities. One of the most popular games is Kotta Pora. Another popular game is the Kana Mutti Bindeema, which involves trying to break a clay pot with your eyes covered with a cloth.

Showing some love to the neighbours

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a time for togetherness and unity. People often exchange gifts and sweets with their neighbours as a symbol of love and friendship. It is also a time for family gatherings, where people come together to share traditional food and drinks.

Food and drinks

This is a great time to taste some Sri Lankan food and drinks. One of the most popular dishes is Kiribath, a type of rice pudding cooked with coconut milk. Another traditional dish is the Avurudu Kavum, a sweet made from rice flour, treacle, and coconut.