Avurudu

We are in that time of year where we are awoken to the sounds of the Asian koel’s mating call at wee hours in the morning, signifying to us all that it is the month when Sri Lankans celebrate their New Year. Generally on13th or 14th of April, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year marks the beginning of the traditional calendar according to astrology and is a national festival of the country. Also known as the sun festival, the Sinhala and Tamil new year is a ritual performed to honour the Sun God for hundreds and hundreds of years now.

However, as there are many other holidays related to the week of Easter, many enjoy a long vacation away from their homes where they participate in all the rituals connected to the New Year celebrations since most holiday resorts follow the traditions. 

Though tourism is booming in the country, the incoming tourists are not splurging at the fancier hotels in the country.  Instead, they are shackled up in cheaper accommodation like Airbnb, home stays and smaller hotels/guesthouse, who seem to be earning a good income.  Since most local credit cards and hotels are offering attractive discounted rates, the locals spend their vacations in the bigger hotels. 

Colombo is a great time to stay in during this period as everything is so quiet and relaxed with no traffic or people. Owing to the New Year customs and the tradition of lives being guided by auspicious times, nothing functions in the island until the auspicious day of beginning work dawns. The joy of celebrating Avurudu, especially in the villages where traditions are followed, is an event to look forward to.  The auspicious colour this year for clothing was multi-coloured.  Let us all wish for a kaleidoscopic year moving forward for all of us.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year.

As there are many other holidays related to the week of Easter, many enjoy a long vacation away from their homes where they can participate in all the rituals connected to the New Year celebrations since most holiday resorts follow the traditions.