Sinhala and Tamil New Year 2014 - Herald the New Year!
Celebrate this wonderful local festival; the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, with the locals of the area. Make your way to a local €Avurudu Ulela' and experience, first hand, the customs of the locals, the traditional games and local delicacies.
You know that the Avurudu season is upon you once you hear the persistent call of the "koha" (Asian Koel) or once you see the red "erabadu" trees in full bloom, scattering bits of colour all around or once you feel the excited anticipation of kids as they head back to their ancestral homes to partake in the festivities. This is one Sri Lankan celebration which makes locals feel as though nature herself shares their enthusiasm in preparing for the celebrations. It is also one of the most prominent cultural celebrations in the island and is a wonderful opportunity for tourists to gain an insight into Sri Lankan customs.
Like most Sri Lankan customs and traditions, the New Year celebrations have its own affiliation with astrology. In astrological terms, the New Year coincides with the sun's movement from the House of Pisces to the House of Aries and the transition period, called "Nonagathaya" encourages all those who celebrate to engage in religious activities.
In the past, this festival was always anticipated and celebrated with vigour and enthusiasm with houses being thoroughly cleaned and whitewashed and special Avurudu treats such as kokis, kavum etc being made. It is also a season for gift giving and the shops become packed with people purchasing almost anything and everything.
The history of this festival can surprisingly be traced back about 2,000 years and is still celebrated in a similar way as it was, many years ago. The New Year dawns with lighting the hearth to make the first batch of kiribath (milk rice) and traditionally, this was made using the first batch of harvest. The family will then engage in a few traditional activities such as "ganudenu"; an act of giving and receiving; and sit down to the first meal of the New Year at the auspicious time. All these traditional activities are of course carried out while wearing new clothes in the lucky colour as recommended by astrologers. The next few days is followed by many fun activities and games such as "kata gaseema", "kamba adeema", "pancha keliya" etc. and of course, paying visits to family and relatives.
All in all, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is an exciting event in the island's calendar and for those making Sri Lanka tours in April 2014, this festival is one that must be experienced to make their Sri Lanka holidays, one that is truly memorable! Consult Walkers Tours who will be thrilled to help you in organising a holiday around this festive period.
You know that the Avurudu season is upon you once you hear the persistent call of the "koha" (Asian Koel) or once you see the red "erabadu" trees in full bloom, scattering bits of colour all around or once you feel the excited anticipation of kids as they head back to their ancestral homes to partake in the festivities. This is one Sri Lankan celebration which makes locals feel as though nature herself shares their enthusiasm in preparing for the celebrations. It is also one of the most prominent cultural celebrations in the island and is a wonderful opportunity for tourists to gain an insight into Sri Lankan customs.
Like most Sri Lankan customs and traditions, the New Year celebrations have its own affiliation with astrology. In astrological terms, the New Year coincides with the sun's movement from the House of Pisces to the House of Aries and the transition period, called "Nonagathaya" encourages all those who celebrate to engage in religious activities.
In the past, this festival was always anticipated and celebrated with vigour and enthusiasm with houses being thoroughly cleaned and whitewashed and special Avurudu treats such as kokis, kavum etc being made. It is also a season for gift giving and the shops become packed with people purchasing almost anything and everything.
The history of this festival can surprisingly be traced back about 2,000 years and is still celebrated in a similar way as it was, many years ago. The New Year dawns with lighting the hearth to make the first batch of kiribath (milk rice) and traditionally, this was made using the first batch of harvest. The family will then engage in a few traditional activities such as "ganudenu"; an act of giving and receiving; and sit down to the first meal of the New Year at the auspicious time. All these traditional activities are of course carried out while wearing new clothes in the lucky colour as recommended by astrologers. The next few days is followed by many fun activities and games such as "kata gaseema", "kamba adeema", "pancha keliya" etc. and of course, paying visits to family and relatives.
All in all, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is an exciting event in the island's calendar and for those making Sri Lanka tours in April 2014, this festival is one that must be experienced to make their Sri Lanka holidays, one that is truly memorable! Consult Walkers Tours who will be thrilled to help you in organising a holiday around this festive period.
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