There are many festivals in Sri Lanka. One of the major festivals in the island is the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Sri Lankans celebrate it on April 13 and 14 each year. 
They clean and decorate their houses and make special sweetmeats. People prepare Milk Rice, Kavum, Kokis, Aluwa, Munkavum, Aasmi, Athirasa, Dodol and many more sweets. The Tamils prepare Laddu, Murukku and many other sweets.
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year day is a happy day for children. They play Avurudu games such as Kottapora, Lissana Gahe Nageema, Panchakeliya and Olindakeliya. They are many traditional rituals related this festival.
Parents organise special events for the family and villagers organise New Year celebrations for children and elders on this day.
It is an enjoyable time for them. It is one of the best festivals for Sri Lankans.
E.A. Tanushi Nihara
Grade 8
D.S. Senanayake Central College
Mirigama