The Sinhala and Tamil are the two major ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. Influenced by factors such as religion, culture, and history, both communities recognize and celebrate the same New Year, which usually falls between April 13 and April 14. This festival is one of the most important traditional celebrations in Sri Lanka.
The exact date of this New Year is determined according to astrology. It marks the moment when the sun moves from Pisces into Aries, symbolizing the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one.
The arrival of the New Year is celebrated by lighting a hearth and boiling milk in a new clay pot. As the milk boils and overflows, it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the entire family.
People prepare traditional Sri Lankan foods and share them with neighbors, including “kiribath” (milk rice) made from rice, coconut milk, honey, and jaggery, as well as various sweets and desserts.
People also perform the traditional head-oiling ceremony, in which the eldest family member applies a mixture of herbal oil—prepared from herbs and oil—to the heads of other family members, wishing them greater intelligence, alertness, and sharpness of mind in the coming year.
Companies and villages hold garden activities to strengthen social bonds and foster closer relationships among people.
At these garden activities, people participate in a variety of games, such as painting the eyes of an elephant, husking coconuts, eating bread, pillow fights, tug-of-war, breaking clay pots, sack races, swinging, and climbing greased poles. Combining tradition and fun, these lively events showcase the vibrant charm of Sri Lankan culture amidst laughter and joy.
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year has a very special tradition: on the first day of the New Year, all activities are carried out according to auspicious times determined by an astrologer. From getting up, cooking, eating, working, bathing, paying respects at the temple, to visiting relatives and friends, every action follows a specific time. This tradition reflects people’s aspiration for a happy and prosperous life.
