Sri Lanka Gears Up for its Traditional New Year – A Time for Joyous Celebrations

The enchanting island of Sri Lanka is all set to celebrate one of its most important cultural festivals, which marks the dawn of the traditional New Year. Observed by both Sinhalese and Tamil communities, this annual event is held on the 13th and 14th of April each year. In ages past, it marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of spring; interestingly, in keeping with these traditional practices, auspicious times are still observed depending on the planetary movements.

During this period, it is customary for families to get together, exchange gifts, play games and share specially made food and sweet treats. Those based at hotels in Kandy, the country’s hill capital, are well-placed to observe many traditions as well as visit key religious sites, watch cultural shows and savour traditional New Year food like milk rice (called ‘kiribath’). Travellers based at properties like Earl’s Regency will also be within easy reach of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a revered Buddhist site which draws many devotees during this time.