Traditional Sinhala & Hindu new year celebrations in April
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year or as we all call it Avurudu in Sinhala, has become an important national holiday for both Sinhala Buddhists and the Tamil Hindus of Sri Lanka. It is unique because it is not celebrated in any other country as a national festival.
There is greenery everywhere; fresh leaves on trees, flowers in bloom, vegetables and fruits in plenty and the songs of birds in the air. The aroma of sweetmeat, the sound of raban (Drum) and the koha's (Bird) cry, symbolize that the entire country is ready to celebrate this national festival.
The New year signifies the reaping of the harvest and social customs especially of the farming community. After the Maha harvest, the farmers celebrate the occasion giving thanks. And these customs and rituals portray the beliefs and thoughts of these people whose life is centered around agriculture.