It marks the end of the harvest season and also coincides with one of two instances when the sun is directly above Sri Lanka.However, unlike the celebration of the new gregorian calender year at midnight on December 31, the Sinhalese traditional New Year begins at a time determined by astrological calculations.Also unlike 31st night celebrations, where old year ends at midnight and new year begins immediately afterwards; the ending of the old year, and the beginning of the new year occur several hours apart from one another (this span of time is usually 12 hours and 48 minutes, which starts when the sun, as a disk, starts to cross the astrological boundary between House of Pisces and House of Aries and ends when the crossing is complete.The halfway point is considered as the dawn of the new year).
This period is, referred to as the Nonagathe (or the neutral period). During this time Sri Lankans are, according to tradition, encouraged to refrain from material pursuits, and engage solely in either religious activities or traditional games. Cultural rituals begin shortly after the beginning of the Sinhala new year with the cleaning of the house and lighting of an oil lamp. All the families as one carries out variety of rituals in exact timings of which are determined by astrological calculations - from lighting the fire to making the Kiribath (milk rice) to entering into the first business transaction and eating the first morsels. The approach of the each auspicious time for various rituvals is heralded by the unmistakable sign of very loud firecrackers. Once the important rituals are done, the partying begins as families mingle in the streets, homes are thrown open and children are let out to play. The ubiquitous plantain is dished out alongside celebratory feasts of Kavum (small oil cake) and Kokis (crisp and light sweetmeat, originally from the Netherlands). However, the extent of outdoor activities depends largely on the neighborhood. The suburban communities tend to have such social gatherings than urban or city dwellers. Aluth Aurudu is an important national holiday for both the cultures of the Sinhalese people and the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. The celebrations are given wide coverage and patronage from state owned media as well as private media. Sinhala Tamil New Year Full Moon InIt is celebrated on the day of the full moon in May. Most of the travelers visiting the country come from Great Britain, Australi. Copyright 2012 Sri Lankan Tourism Sri Lanka Tourism Guidelankan.
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