Avurudu, also known as Sinhalese New Year, is the biggest cultural celebration in Sri Lanka. It marks the beginning of the traditional Sinhalese New Year and is celebrated annually in mid-April. In this article, we will explore the traditions, customs, and fun associated with Avurudu in Sri Lanka.The period when the sun passes through the house of Mesha to Meena.
The Origins of Avurudu
Avurudu has its roots in ancient Sri Lanka and is steeped in tradition and symbolism. The festival is believed to have originated as a celebration of the spring harvest, with people coming together to give thanks for the abundance of the harvest and to ask for blessings for the year ahead. Over time, Avurudu has become a celebration of new beginnings, renewal, and hope, as it welcomes the NEw Year for the Sinhalese and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka.
The Customs and Traditions of Avurudu
Avurudu is a time of joy and celebration, and there are many customs and traditions associated with the festival teemed with auspicious times for every aspect of the celebration. One of the most important traditions is the time of lighting of the hearth, which marks the beginning of the festival. The hearth is decorated with fresh flowers, and the fire is lit at an auspicious time by the head of the household.
Another important tradition is the time for preparation of traditional sweetmeats, known as kavum and kokis. These delicious treats are made from rice flour and treacle and are shaped into intricate designs using traditional moulds. The sweetmeats are offered to guests and relatives during the festival, and it is considered a sign of good luck to receive them.
During Avurudu, families and communities come together to perform rituals and ceremonies, such as lighting oil lamps, offering alms to Buddhist monks, and visiting relatives and friends. The festival is also a time for cleaning and decorating homes, with colourful decorations and traditional oil lamps adorning homes and streets.
The Fun of Avurudu
Avurudu is also a time for fun and games, with many traditional activities and competitions taking place throughout the festival. One of the most popular activities is the game of kana mutti, a traditional game that involves hitting a hanging clay pot blindfolded. Another popular game is the tug-of-war, where teams compete to pull a rope over a designated line. Other games uch as pillw fights, climbing the grease pole raban playing etrc form part of the festivities.
The festival also includes cultural performances, such as traditional dance and music, and the Avurudu Kumari beauty pageant, where young boys and girls compete to be crowned as the Avurudu King and Queen.
In Conclusion, Avurudu is a colourful and joyous festival that celebrates the rich culture and traditions of Sri Lanka. It is a time for renewal, new beginnings, and hope, and is marked by a range of customs and traditions that are steeped in history and symbolism. Whether it’s the delicious sweetmeats, the fun and games, or the colourful decorations, Avurudu is a festival that is sure to delight and enchant visitors to Sri Lanka.
