Tamil New Year

Introduction

Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a New Year for not only Sinhalese and Tamils but it is also celebrated by all the citizens. It is known as Aluth Awurudhu in Sinhala and Chithirai Puththaandu in Tamil. The New Year generally falls on 14th of April. The date varies depending on Panchangam, Holy Hindu Saivite Calendar according to Tamils and astrological belief that the sun moves from house of Pisces to house of Aries according to Sinhalese.

Unlike New Year celebrated in January, commencement of Sinhala and Tamil New Year depends on time, which is usually predicted by the astrologers. The New Year is also celebrated as a tribute to farmer, the food producer for the entire nation as it marks the end of harvesting period. Cuckoo bird also has a strong relationship with this New Year, its coo-coo sound marks the birth time of the New Year on that day. Rituals, games and leisure are the factors that play a significant role in Sinhala & Tamil New Year.

Culture

When considering culture, this festival begins with a lot of rituals. People start shopping at least a week before for the New Year, even this done during the auspicious time of the day. Moreover, particular color or colors are specified every year by astrologers and the clothes of these colors should be purchased. Sinhalese males wear Sarong and Batik/silk shirt whereas females wear Osari (type of saree) or batik blouse and skirt. Tamil males wear shirt/Gurutha and Vesti and females wear saree.

As the New Year commences, milk is boiled first on the stove and the oil lamp in the house is lit during the auspicious time and later, milk rice is made. During this period of auspicious time, people pray that rest of the year should bring them joy and prosperity and believe there won’t be lacking of food as the year continues. They also do their first bank transaction and at least an hour of their occupation consider it brings luck. These are some common events done by Sinhalese and Tamils.

Sinhalese...