The Sinhala and Tamil New Year falls in April every year. According to the Sinhala calendar the New Year begins when the Sun moves from the Meena Rashiya to the Mesha Rashiya.
People welcome the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with loud bursts of firecrackers.
We can see many changes in the environment. Colourful flowers bloom, especially the Erabadu trees are in full bloom during this period.
The smell of ripe fruit is everywhere, like jak, mango and cashew. The koha or Sri Lankan cuckoo is regarded as the harbinger of the New Year season in Sri Lanka.
There are many customs at this New Year season, such as boiling milk, doing transactions and having meals together. A sheaf of betel leaves is offered to all elders in the family while the young ones seek their blessings for the future. Gifts are exchanged and the rest of the day is spent visiting relatives and engaging in New Year games with members of the community. Pillow fighting, breaking a pot, bun eating contests, spotting the eye on the elephant are some New Year games that people play to enjoy this special day.
Sasmi Jihansa
Grade 8
A-Zone International English Academy
Imbulgoda