The majority of the people in the country are Buddhists, and as such, the Buddhistic outlook was predominant in transforming the New Year rites to what they are now. The advent of Buddhism in the 3rd century BC led to a re-interpretation of the existing New Year activities in the Buddhism light.
Various beliefs, perhaps those associated with the fertility of the harvest, gave birth to many rituals, customs, and ceremonies connected with the New Year. People think that the celebration of the new year is the change of thoughts too. It also marks the end of the harvest season and of spring.Ĭultural anthropological history of the 'Traditional New Year' which is celebrated in the month of April, goes back to an ancient period in Sri Lankan history. Īccording to Sinhalese astrology, New Year begins when the sun moves from Meena Rashiya (the house of Pisces) to Mesha Rashiya (the house of Aries). It is generally celebrated on 13 April or 14 April and traditionally begins at the sighting of the new moon. It is a public holiday in Sri Lanka (02 Public Holidays - Normally Shops Close for Around One Week Following the New Year). The festival has close semblance to the Tamil New year and other South and Southeast Asian New Years. The timing of the Sinhala Tamil New Year coincides with the new year celebrations of many traditional calendars of South and Southeast Asia.
It is a major anniversary celebrated by not only the Sinhalese and Tamil people but by most Sri Lankans. Sinhalese New Year, generally known as Aluth Avurudda ( Sinhala: අලුත් අවුරුද්ද) in Sri Lanka, is a Sri Lankan holiday that celebrates the traditional New Year of the Sinhalese people and Tamil population of Sri Lanka. The observed movement of the sun from Meena Rashiya (House of Pisces) to the Mesha Rashiya (House of Aries)ġ3 or 14 April, an auspicious date in the month of Bak (April) (by the Shalivahana era) Games, family gathering, family meal, visiting friends and relatives, prayer Avurudu festival sweetmeats including kavum, kokis, and kiribath (milk rice)Īlso celebrated as Sinhala and Tamil New Year
0 kommentar(er)
