Sinhala & Tamil New Year in Sri Lanka This Month – Celebrating Centuries of Culture & Tradition
Highlighting the beginning of the traditional Sri Lankan calendar, the denizens of the country will be celebrating the Sinhala and Tamil New Year this month. One of the biggest cultural festivals in the country, it’s held on the 13th and 14th of April and is a time marked by family reunions and observing rituals at auspices times. Those on holiday during this period can enjoy a hotel stay or wellness retreat at properties like Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara to experience the culture, partake in the food, and witness the festivities as well. Travellers based at such an Ayurveda hotel in Sri Lanka can also look forward to holistic treatments with the use of time-honoured healing practices.
The tradition of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has a long history, with roots going back hundreds of years. With rituals such as the lighting of the hearth and the first meal at the “Avurudu” (New Year) table, a unique heritage shines through. Activities such as dancing and drum beating and traditional games like tug-of-war, blindfolded pot-breaking (similar to hitting a piñata) and climbing up a greasy pole are some of the popular things to do.