The Sinhala and Tamil New Year Next Month – A New Beginning for Sri Lankans

The annual Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a unique cultural event in Sri Lanka and marks the traditional New Year for the country’s Sinhalese and Tamil communities. It takes place from 13th to 14th April involves the sighting of the new moon. This period is a countrywide holiday as people generally spend time with families, observing various rituals including boiling milk at an auspicious time.

Hindus visit kovils and Buddhists can be seen at temples and sacred sites such as the Kalutara Bodhiya, easy to reach for those staying at a Kalutara resort in the area like Avani Kalutara Resort. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is also a time when special dishes and “sweetmeats” are prepared, while it is customary for traditional games to be played especially in village areas.