This weekend, Sri Lankans are celebrating two important national and religious events under the cloud of a global pandemic that has restricted their movements. In fact, we are not supposed to step out of our homes except for the brief periods when the curfew is relaxed and that too only in certain areas.
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year will dawn tomorrow, signifying one of the most important national events in the country. Avurudu or Puthandu (in Tamil) is primarily celebrated by Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus, but over the years it has transcended such man-made boundaries and become a national festival celebrated by all Sri Lankans. Above all, Avurudu celebrates our very close bond with Nature. It is a tribute to the Sun, whose movement from Meena (Pisces) to Mesha (Aries) is the very basis of the traditional New Year. New Year traditions evolved as a result of farmers expressing their gratitude to the Sun and Nature for a bountiful harvest. In fact, the Sinhalese word “Bak” for April signifies “fortune”, being a derivative of the Sanskrit root word “Bhagya”.
Easter too is all about renewal – of hope and life. Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ after he was nailed to the cross at the behest of Roman rulers of the time. Easter too gives us a powerful message that we can overcome any obstacles in our life. There is another message that Jesus gave us – caring for the sick. This is very important at a time of pestilence. This Easter has an added poignancy, being the first anniversary of the horrific terrorist attacks on several Catholic Churches around the country last year. The pain caused by these attacks can never go away, but we can all pray that such a horrendous loss of life would never happen on our soil again.
But this year, both these festivals will necessarily be on a low key, confined as we are to our homes, except for those working in essential sectors. In fact, this Avurudu and Easter, we should spare a thought for the health workers, Security Forces personnel and Government and private sector workers in essential services. It is because of their selfless service and determination that we can mark Avurudu and Easter at least on this scale.
This year, though, we can make these festivals even more meaningful while staying at home. It is a time to renew bonds within our families. This is very important in a society where the tradition of family sit-down meals has disappeared for all intents and purposes. Today’s pressures to relentlessly pursue money and differing interest/work hours of family members mean that no one has the time to enjoy a sit-down meal over free-flowing conversation and plenty of laughter. At best, the whole family might have eyes glued to the TV while having dinner with no conversation at all. Family bonds have taken a severe beating due to modern lifestyles, but Avurudu reminds us that we should do better to keep families together.
While cooking and partaking meals in accordance with auspicious times is important, the foremost place in Avurudu traditions should go to Ganu Denu, which literally means Give and Take. That is sadly a factor missing from our lives for the most part, but Avurudu reminds us of the importance of compromise and the joy of sharing. Avurudu is a season for giving – as well as forgiving.
The demands of commercialism have enveloped everyone in our families, including the children. Unlike in the days gone by, today’s children are pressured by parents, teachers and the wider society to study all the time in order do well at examinations at the expense of their playtime. However, Avurudu literally gives them a break from the tedium of studying and attending classes non-stop.
Avurudu also has a spiritual or religious element. The Punya Kalaya (“time for meritorious deeds”) is designed to let us pay homage to the temple or the Kovil to purify our souls. Easter too does the same, though this year the faithful will have to be at home watching the services from home.
Avurudu is a time for a fresh start in every sphere of life. From new clothes to a new coat of paint to new aspirations, it marks a deviation from the old routine and signals that life is ready to take on new challenges in the coming year. Avurudu gives us fresh hopes for a successful, bountiful year ahead.
This Avurudu and Easter, is similar in so many ways to the ones that have gone by. The purpose, meaning and aims of both Avurudu and Easter remain the same as they have always been: to renew our collective faith in humanity and bring us hope and new aspirations. The only difference this year is that we cannot share this noble aspiration at the community level owing to the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
But we must realize that these measures have been imposed for our own safety and welfare. If we violate the curfew and try to ‘celebrate’ these events, the result will be truly horrendous. It is therefore our duty to stay at home, observe all social distancing and hygiene rules and celebrate these events with our family members in the fervent hope that we will once again be able to celebrate both Avurudu and Easter in the usual way in 2021. Be safe, stay home and save lives.