Sinhala Hindu New Year

The Sinhala New Year is also referred as the Aluth Avurudhu. It is celebrated usually on the 13th or 14th of April. The New Year marks the end of harvest season in Sri Lanka. After the Sinhalese mythology, it is believed that the sun travels to the Mesha Rashiya from the Meen Rashiya on the day of the New Year.
Sinhalese / Hindu New Year involve the observance of a ritual known as Nonagathe. During celebration of New Year, the Sinhalese go to the temples to perform certain rights. People also take auspicious bath as part of the ceremonial ritual. They apply a special herbal mixture on their head before taking the holy bath.
During celebration of a Sinhalese New Year, generally an old custom of offering betel to elder members of the family is observed. This ritual is considered to be a gesture to show one’s love and gratitude to parents and elderly people.
To welcome the New Year the Sinhalese people in Sri Lanka, clean their houses and paint them anew. The houses of the Sinhalese families are decorated with lights on the day of New Year. The family members exchange new clothes and gifts on this auspicious day of the year.
To celebrate the festive occasion, special menu is arranged at the Sinhalese homes. A special type of rice known as Kiri Bhaat is prepared. This preparation is made with the newly harvested crop. Different types of sweet meats like unduvel, konda kavum and mung kavum are prepared at the Sinhalese households.

10:19 AM Monday September 13th, 2010

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