Aluth Avurudu is the Sri Lanka New Year. This special time happens in mid-April. It is when the harvest comes to an end. The sun moves into a zodiac sign. The whole island of Sri Lanka comes together to celebrate Aluth Avurudu. It is a time for family, food and culture.

The Quiet Hours of Nonagathe

Astrologers figure out the time of Aluth Avurudu. Before Aluth Avurudu starts there is a time called Nonagathe. This is a time when everything stops. All work comes to a halt. Shops and businesses are closed. People go to temples to pray and wear clothes. They wash away the year to get ready for Aluth Avurudu.

The New Fire and Prosperity

When Aluth Avurudu starts firecrackers go off. Women play the Raban drum. Every household does things at the same minute. The mother in each house lights a clay stove and boils fresh milk in it. The milk has to boil over the sides of the stove. This is believed to bring prosperity to the home and family.

The Feast of Milk Rice

The family then cooks a meal for Aluth Avurudu. They make Kiribath, which’s milk rice and very delicious. They also serve sweet treats like Kavum, a deep-fried oil cake and Kokis, a crunchy biscuit. The whole family sits down to eat together. The father feeds each member of the family.

 Fun and Village Games

After eating the celebrations move outside. Entire villages come together to play games. Girls swing high on decorated tree swings. Men balance on logs. Have pillow fights. Some people try to climb a pole. Others try to break clay pots while blindfolded. There is laughter in the air all day during Aluth Avurudu.