03/06/2026
Sinhala and Tamil New Year in Sri Lanka
Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important cultural celebrations in Sri Lanka. It marks the traditional New Year for both Sinhala and Tamil communities, usually celebrated in mid-April when the sun moves from the Meena Rashiya (Pisces) to the Mesha Rashiya (Aries).
It is a time when families come together, old work is paused, and people focus on traditions, rituals, and fresh beginnings. Common customs include preparing traditional sweets like kokis and kavum, lighting the hearth at an auspicious time, exchanging gifts, and visiting relatives.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Avurudu) celebrations in Sri Lanka are very rich in traditions. Here’s a simple, clear breakdown of the main rituals and activities so you can understand how the whole celebration flows:
🌅 1. Nonagathaya (Neutral Period)
This is a special “in-between time” before the New Year begins.
People stop work and daily activities
No cooking or transactions
Families usually go to temples for blessings and meditation
🔥 2. Lighting the Hearth (Cooking Time)
At an auspicious time, families:
Light the stove for the first time in the New Year
Boil milk (milk rice / kiribath)
Start cooking traditional foods
This symbolizes prosperity and fresh beginnings.
🍚 3. First Meal of the Year
Kiribath (milk rice) is the main dish
Served with lunu miris (chili onion sambol) or sweets
Family eats together at the auspicious time
💰 4. Transactions & New Beginnings
After the auspicious time:
People start work, business, and financial transactions
First money exchange is done (symbol of prosperity)
Children often receive money from elders
🎁 5. Visiting Relatives
Families visit parents and relatives
Exchange gifts and sweets
Ask for blessings from elders
🎮 6. Traditional Games & Fun
Community celebrations include:
Kotta pora (pillow fighting on a pole)
An initiative called “kana mutti bindeema” (breaking clay pots)
Tug of war, bun eating competitions
Avurudu queen/king competitions
🌸 7. Religious & Cultural Activities
Temple visits for blessings
Offering food to monks
Lighting oil lamps and prayers for peace and prosperity
🍪 8. Traditional Foods
Popular Avurudu sweets include:
Kokis
Kavum
Aluwa
Mung kavum
