Sinhala & Tamil New Year
Each year during the month of April, Sri Lankan’s celebrate the Sinhalese and Tamil
new year. This New Year coincides with the ending of the agricultural harvest. Traditionally,
the festival was a celebration of the fertility of the harvest. Many rituals – both
Sinhalese and Tamil have been established to celebrate the dawn of the New Year.
Performing of religious rights, the exchange of gifts, paying respect to elders
and the preparation of sweet meats and Kiri Bath (milk rice) are all a part of the
festivities. Around this time of year many shops are closed as the entire country
takes a welcome break!
