Sri Lankan New Year: Aluth Avurudda & Puthandu

When

Mid-April (usually April 13 or 14), determined by the Sinhala and Tamil lunisolar calendars—the sun's transition into Aries (Mesha Sankranti).

Two Traditions, One Time

• Sinhalese: Aluth Avurudda – Buddhist-majority celebration.
• Tamil: Puthandu – Hindu-majority celebration.
• Both coincide, fostering shared national festivity.

Key Rituals

1. Nonagathaya (neutral period): Old year ends, new hasn't begun—no work, only religious observances.
2. Lighting the hearth: At auspicious time, facing designated direction; boil milk to overflow (prosperity).
3. First meal (Kiribath): Milk rice with lunu miris (chili-onion relish), sweets (kokis, kavum, aluwa).
4. Ganu Denu: Transaction ritual—exchange money/gifts with elders for blessings.
5. Anointing oil: Herbal oil applied before bath (health).
6. Visiting temples/kovils: Prayers, alms.
7. Games: Olinda keliya (mancala), kotta pora (pillow fight), kamba adeema (tug-of-war).

Cultural Significance

Renewal, gratitude, family reunions, debt settlement, new clothes, home cleaning. Transcends ethnicity—shared Sri Lankan identity.