New Year in tropical Sri Lanka is celebrated twice. Following European traditions, it is celebrated on the night of December 31. The holiday is accompanied by beach parties, fireworks and dancing. The main dish of the holiday is shrimp.
But for the locals, the New Year comes in the spring, in April, usually on the 13th or 14th of this month. April coincides with the rice harvest and the season of fresh fruits, especially mango. Thus, the holiday symbolizes prosperity and fullness, as well as new beginnings, opportunities and hopes. New Year holidays in Sri Lanka last for several days.
Many ancient traditions are associated with it. For example, before the New Year, every local resident tries to take a bath with an apple tree and leaves of the sacred bo tree. In addition, local customs include festive dishes that must be eaten while sitting facing north and wearing red and gold clothes.
The New Year does not begin at midnight, but at the time appointed by astronomers. The beginning of the festival is announced by drums, to the sound of which the doors and windows of all houses are opened and celebrations begin in the streets. The culmination of the new year is the anointing ceremony (telgana avurudda), which the head of the family prepares with his own hands. During the ceremony, he stands on specially collected leaves. It is believed that Telgana Avurudda brings peace of mind and positive energy for the coming year. Locals believe that all wishes made on this night come true. The traditional New Year's dish is called Kiribath. It is prepared in a new clay bowl with rice and milk from the last harvest. According to tradition, the milk is deliberately spilled and its flow is used to predict the prospects of the coming year, after which the family goes to the festive feast.

12 Septmber 2024, Thursday | 1331