🇱🇰 Sri Lankan New Year – Sinhala & Tamil New Year (Avurudu) Guide

The Sri Lankan New Year, locally known as Avurudu (Sinhala) and Puthandu (Tamil), is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich festivals in Sri Lanka. Celebrated in April, it marks the transition of the sun from Pisces to Aries, symbolizing new beginnings, prosperity, and harmony.

This is a perfect time for tourists to witness authentic Sri Lankan traditions, games, food, and rituals.

🌟 When is the Sri Lankan New Year?

The festival takes place on April 13th and 14th every year.

Unlike the Western New Year, Avurudu follows the solar calendar and includes special times such as:

  • Nonagathe (neutral time) – No work, focus on prayer

  • Auspicious times for cooking, eating, starting work, and visiting relatives

  • Blessing ceremonies in temples and kovils

🏡 How Sri Lankans Celebrate the New Year

🎉 1. Traditional Auspicious Rituals

Families follow astrologically determined times to:

  • Light the hearth

  • Prepare the first meal

  • Perform the first transaction

  • Leave for work
    These rituals symbolize success, health, and prosperity.Avurudu

🍛 2. Delicious Avurudu Food

Visitors can enjoy special homemade sweets and meals such as:

  • Kiribath (milk rice)

  • Kokis

  • Kavum

  • Aluwa

  • Pani Walalu

  • Mung Kavum

These are usually served on a beautifully decorated festive table known as the Avurudu Mesaya.

🎭 3. Cultural Games & Festivities

Sri Lankan New Year is famous for its colorful traditional games:

  • Pillow fighting (Kotta Pora)

  • Tug-of-war (Elle)

  • Climbing the greased pole

  • Breaking the clay pot (Kana Mutti Bindima)

  • Avurudu Kumari pageants

  • Raban playing (traditional drum)

These events are fun, lively, and perfect for tourists to experience local culture.

🎁 4. Exchanging Gifts & Visiting Families

During Avurudu:

  • Homes are cleaned and decorated

  • Families visit relatives

  • Gifts & sweets are exchanged

  • Everyone wears new clothes according to auspicious colors

This festival highlights unity, love, and respect among communities.

🌞 Weather During New Year

April is warm and sunny across Sri Lanka—ideal for:

  • Beach holidays

  • Cultural tours

  • Wildlife safaris

  • Hill country train trips

🚗 Traveling During the New Year (Pro Tip)

Public transport becomes extremely crowded during April because many Sri Lankans travel home.
To explore comfortably, especially around Kandy, Ella, Sigiriya, and the Southern Coast, renting a car is the best option.

👉 Book your car with iWay Rent a Car:
https://iwayrentacar.com

They offer:

  • Self-drive cars

  • Budget vehicles

  • Airport pickup

  • Zero-excess insurance

  • 24/7 support

❤️ Why Tourists Love the Sri Lankan New Year

  • Unique rituals not found in other countries

  • Friendly, welcoming local atmosphere

  • Cultural immersion

  • Delicious festive food

  • Traditional music, dance, and games

It’s truly one of the most joyful and colorful festivals in Sri Lanka.