The Aluth Avurudda represents social rituals and the reaping of the harvest, particularly in the farming community. The farmers express gratitude for the occasion after the Maha, or grand, harvest. These traditions and practices reflect the values and ideas of the members of Sri Lanka’s farming community. The New Year's celebration in Sri Lanka has its origins in the country's ancient past and is said to have been influenced by the Indian festival of Baisakhi.
The 'koha' (cuckoo) birds are believed to begin chirping closer to the Sinhala New Year, signalling that it is time for everyone to gather to celebrate. The exchange of customary presents, or "Avurudu Kahawanu", is a significant component of the Sri Lankan New Year. These presents, which are typically distributed between friends and family members as a sign of affection and well wishes for the next year, consist of fruits, sweets and new attire.
In Sri Lanka, food plays a big part in new year's celebrations. The focal point of any home is a large table covered in Kiribath, bananas and traditional sweets like kavum, kokis, thalaguli, aggala, aasmi, aluwa and many others. Families get together in the evening to have a special meal while dancing and enjoying the music. Cow dung and saffron water are used to decorate the area in front of the residence. With raw white rice flour, a decorative pattern called "Kolam" is created. A new pot is used to cook the "Pongal" and the fireplace is constructed slightly facing the East. The woman of the house lights the lamps and the head of the household arranges the Mangala Kumbam (auspicious pot).
In Sri Lanka, the New Year is also marked by a number of religious and cultural customs, such as the lighting of oil lamps, the presenting of food and flowers to the gods and the customary oil bath. This ritual bath represents purification and is thought to bring luck and wealth for the upcoming year. The tradition of giving betel leaves to parents and elders represents the expression of gratitude. The parents then bestow their blessings on the kids. During the holiday season, friends and family members exhibit a sense of kindness and friendship.
Along with the customary festivities, the Sri Lankan New Year celebrations are marked by a number of events and performances, including drumming and dance, traditional theatre, games and fireworks. The majority of Sri Lankan women play the board games Olinda Keliya and Pancha Demima, which require two or more players. Every object used in these games is organic. For instance, the wooden game boards use seashells and plant seeds as game pieces. Visitors have the chance to explore Sri Lankan culture and traditions during these celebrations of the nation's rich cultural history.
