The vibrant tapestry of Sri Lankan culture unfurls in a kaleidoscope of colours and traditions during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, also known as Avurudu. 

This cherished festival, celebrated in April, marks the transition of the sun from Pisces to Aries, heralding a time of renewal, prosperity, and unity. It is a period where the island nation comes alive with age-old rituals, delectable feasts, and joyous celebrations, bridging communities and generations.   

A celestial alignment and earthly rejoicing

Avurudu’s timing is determined by astrological calculations, setting it apart from the Gregorian New Year. This celestial alignment signifies the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new cycle of life. It is a time when nature’s bounty is celebrated and gratitude is expressed for the year’s yields.   

Key aspects of the Avurudu festival include:

• ‘Nonagathaya’ (neutral period): This is a transitional period between the old and new year, a time for spiritual reflection and abstaining from worldly activities. People often spend this time in temples, engaging in religious observances.   

• The dawn of the New Year: The precise moment of the new year’s arrival is determined by astrological calculations. This auspicious time is marked by traditional rituals, such as lighting the hearth and boiling milk in a new clay pot, symbolising prosperity.   

• Traditional feasts: Avurudu is synonymous with culinary delights. Homes are filled with the aroma of traditional sweets like kavum (oil cakes), kokis (crispy, fried sweets), and kiribath (milk rice). These treats are shared with family, friends, and neighbours, fostering a sense of community.   

• Rituals and customs: ‘Ganu denu,’ the exchange of money, symbolises prosperity and goodwill. ‘Hisa thel gaama’ (oil anointing ceremony), often conducted in temples, is a ritual for health and well-being. Visiting family and elders, and the exchange of betel leaves, are also important aspects of the traditions.   

• Traditional games and festivities: Avurudu is a time for fun and games, with traditional activities like ‘porapol gaseema’ (fighting with coconuts) and ‘kamba adeema’ (tug of war) adding to the festive atmosphere.   

A celebration of unity

What makes Avurudu truly special is its ability to transcend cultural and religious boundaries. While deeply rooted in Sinhalese and Tamil traditions, it is a festival that brings together people from all walks of life. It is a time for reconciliation, forgiveness, and strengthening bonds.   

• Modern adaptations: While preserving its traditional essence, Avurudu has also adapted to modern times. Urban celebrations may include cultural performances, music recitals, and modernised versions of traditional games. Social media plays a role in sharing festive greetings and connecting with loved ones.   
• Cultural clothing: Traditional clothing adds to the colourful atmosphere of Avurudu. Bright colours are favoured, symbolising joy and prosperity. Men often wear sarongs and shirts, while women adorn themselves in elegant sarees or osari.

A personal glimpse: Avurudu through familiar eyes

To truly capture the essence of Avurudu, Happinez reached out to some of our previous interviewees, asking them about their favourite traditions and the reasons behind their choices. Their responses offer a unique and intimate perspective of this cherished festival.

• Rushan Mendis (DJ-turned-entrepreneur): The Avurudu season is one of the best seasons for a good beat mix with Avurudu songs, accompanied by all the traditional rituals and fun activities. 

My favourite Avurudu tradition has always been ‘ahara anubawaya’ – taking part in the first meal. Food plays a major role in the celebration, and as a foodie, this is something I really enjoy, especially the freshly fried konda kavum, kokis, aluwa, and aasmi. 

I have many childhood memories related to following the tradition of ‘ahara anubawaya’ while secretly trying to taste the sweetmeats and getting caught by our parents, as well as of the excitement of sharing the sweets with our relatives and neighbours. 

Moreover, the best part of Avurudu is the Avurudu celebrations filled with games and entertainment. With these traditional Avurudu games, even the ‘raban pada’ become a part of our mixes and playlists. 

• Antony Fernando (Vita Studio Founder):  One of my favourite Avurudu traditions is the first meal of the New Year, where families gather to share their first meal at an auspicious time. This moment is not just about eating; it is a meaningful ritual that symbolises prosperity, unity, and gratitude. 

What makes this tradition special is how it brings the entire family together. The meal is carefully prepared in advance, with traditional Avurudu dishes such as kiribath (milk rice), kavum, kokis, and other sweet delicacies arranged on the table. It reinforces the idea that food is not just sustenance but a means of strengthening relationships and appreciating blessings.

• Dinu Wanigasuriya (artist): One of my favorite Avurudu traditions is ‘ahara anubawaya’ – taking part in the first meal. It is the highlight of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year for me, especially the array of delicious dishes and traditional sweets. While I love the fragrant curries and rice, it is the sweet treats that truly excite me, especially aasmi, my all-time favourite. 

Its delicate texture and perfect sweetness make it irresistible, and I eagerly wait all year just to have it. But this tradition is more than just about the food; it is about sharing these special moments with family and friends, laughing and bonding over a festive meal. It is a time of indulgence, joy, and cherished memories around the table.

• Thamasha Rathnayake (artist): Of all the vibrant Avurudu traditions, my favourite is gift-giving and visiting relatives. In a fast-paced world, this custom lets us slow down and reconnect with loved ones. It is more than exchanging presents – it is about expressing love, gratitude, and appreciation. 

The joy of Avurudu lies in these heartfelt moments: stepping into a relative’s home, sharing sweets, laughter, and creating new memories. Each gift, big or small, holds meaning and shows care. What truly makes Avurudu special isn’t the rituals, but the people we share them with. This tradition reminds us that the New Year is about connection, love, and togetherness.

PHOTOS © PURE CEYLON, SFH, CINNAMON U