What is sinhala and tamil new year?

Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Aluth Avurudu)

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, also known as Aluth Avurudu (in Sinhala) and Puthandu (in Tamil), is a significant cultural and religious festival celebrated primarily by the Sinhalese and Tamil people in Sri Lanka. It marks the end of the harvest season and aligns with the solar New Year, based on the lunisolar Hindu calendar. The timing is astrologically determined and usually falls on April 13th or 14th.

Key Aspects of the Celebration:

• Astrological Timing: The exact timing is determined by astrologers, who calculate the auspicious times for various rituals. This includes the Nonagathe or neutral period. The Nonagathe (a time of inactivity).

• Rituals and Customs: Several rituals and customs are associated with the New Year, reflecting agrarian traditions and beliefs. These include:

  • Punyakalam: A period dedicated to religious activities.
  • Lighting the Hearth: The lighting of a new hearth at the auspicious time symbolizes prosperity and new beginnings.
  • Preparing Kiribath (Milk Rice): The first meal, traditionally Kiribath (milk rice), is cooked in a newly lit hearth.
  • Transactions and Anointing: Conducting the first financial transaction and anointing with herbal oils are also important.

• Traditional Games and Activities: New Year celebrations are filled with traditional games (such://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Traditional%20Games) like pillow fights, climbing greasy poles, and various other community activities, fostering a sense of unity and enjoyment. The Traditional Games is one of the activities that happen during the celebration.

• Family and Community: The Family is a core element. It's a time for families to reunite, exchange gifts, and strengthen bonds. Visiting relatives and neighbors is common. The Community gets together for celebrations.

• Food and Sweets: A wide array of traditional sweets and delicacies are prepared and shared during the New Year. These include Kavum, Kokis, Athirasa, and many others.

• Cultural Significance: Aluth Avurudu is more than just a festival; it's a celebration of cultural identity and heritage, promoting harmony and goodwill among the people of Sri Lanka. The Cultural%20Significance is very important for society.