Sinhala & Tamil New Year.                 

Delicious smell of milk rice and oil cakes spreads everywhere in the country. The sound of crackers echoes continuously. The singing of Cuckoo birds is heard every corner of the island. All these things announce the arrival of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. This is one of the national festivals in Sri Lanka. Generally, this festival falls in April. All Sinhalese and Tamil all over the country join hands to celebrate this festival highly , giving priority to traditional folk games. Transition of the Sun from the zodiac Pisces to Aries is celebrated as the arrival of the New Year.

New Year's Table

On this special day people follow a scheduled routine and work on auspicious times. The day prior to the New Year is known as " Old New Year " day. The time duration when there is no any auspicious moment is called " Nonagathaya ". During this time people involve in religious activities. Those who work away from their homes return to celebrate this important day with their family members. Children are eagerly looking forward to welcome the arrival of this special day. They are the ones who enjoy the most during this period. Children, youth and adults all go to temples and they take part in meritorious deeds at the beginning of the day and they receive the blessings of the Triple Gem.

                             Going to the temple with family members

All the members of the family join at New Year Table full of traditional sweet                                                                meats

Firing crackers is a joyful event for children. Mother starts activities at the                                                            auspitious time.

                                  Giving and beating betal to adults

                                             Hisa thel gaama

People dressed in new costumes play various folk games like Chakgudu, Dice, Pancha, Kottapora gaseema , Kanamuttiya bideema , Kaba edeema and etc. This is a very important day for people in the country. Those who were not in good terms meet together forgetting all resentments and petty differences on this valuable day. Reviving old traditional games and folk songs is a very significant act that happens on New Year day. Meeting friends and relations is also very vital. 

                                Traditional Sinhala New Year games

Kottapora gaseema

Sangeetha putu tharagaya

 

Kanamuttiya bideema

                                           Swinging

 

All the family members are getting ready for the New Year. Relatives visiting the                                                   parent's house. 

The best lesson that we are given by the New Year is training to work on time. That is the secret behind the concept of auspicious times. It is our responsibility of helping poor children specially, during New Year period. When someone gives a gift to a poor family that would bring both parties a ray of comfort certainly. The real meaning of the New Year is living very happily and peacefully. It is true that people must enjoy well but the freedom of others should not be disturbed. 

                                                             THANK YOU.

                                     🙏💖