Sinhala Avurudu:

Tradition and Culture

by Panchamee Hewavissenti

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The Sinhala New Year is celebrated annually in the month of April literally known as "Bak Masaya". The dawn of the New Year is first informed by the nature with inflorescence and ripened fruits which bring the solemn feelings.

The euphonious voice of cuckoo inspires the enthusiasm in people to meet with the on eve of New Year which tally with the beating of drums( Raban) in villages.

Inflorescence of Erabadu bedecks the environment with its luminous radiation. Succulent cashew ( Kaju Puhulan) attracts many creatures on trees which spreads intermingling fragrance with delicious traditional sweets which are being prepared such as Athirasa, Mun Kevun, Naran Kevun, Konda Kevun, Kokis, Asmi, and Penivalalu.

Many indigenous and traditional games are played during Avurudu festival. Among them are, Valaju Geseema, Amba Eta Penima, Kotu Penima, and swaying swings. Apart from that, Eluwan Kema, Mavara Keliya, Pancha Keliya, Olinda Keliya are popular among the villagers which are not much prominently observed in the urban areas today. Lighting crackers and other fire works are equally popular among villagers and city dwellers.

In the ancient times, when the crackers and fire works were not abundantly available, people used to make noise blowing through a bamboo on fire called "Una Wedi". "Una Wedi" are still used in some rural areas today.

Equinox period

When the equinox period( Sankaranthi period) arrives people cease working. They do not engage in any kind of work because it is believed that working during that time is ineffectual. That period is meant for religious observances. This year the equinox time persists from 13 mid night 12.05 to 12.35.

Welcoming "Avurudu Kumaraya"

Avurudu Kumaraya is believed to bring the prosperity to the house hold. Therefore the people are eager to welcome to their houses. In order to give the Avurudu Kumaraya a budding welcome, people prepare a special place for him called "Mal Pela" weaved using tender coconut fronds. They keep a plate of traditional sweets.

Apart from that, another plate is offered to Aurudu Kumaraya of a curry made using seven vegetables called Hathmaluwa ,milk rice and which are prepared at the auspicious time. They also light a clay lamp in the "Mal Pela". Mal Pela is made before the equinox period.

Preparing meals at auspicious time

When the sound of firing crackers and constant ringing of the big bell - Gantara at the temple are heard, people know by experience that the auspicious time to light the hearth facing the particular direction as in this year it is at 6.54 am clad in yellow colour attire facing the south . Milk rice and some dishes mixed with sesame are auspicious for this year.

Transaction and partaking the first traditional meal.

Transactions done at the auspicious time is believed to bring prosperity throughout the year. The auspicious time arrives to engage in whatever good work he or she may desire. House wives start working by cleansing rice and other materials for the meal.

When the auspicious time arrives it is advisable to cease work and be ready to partake the traditional morsel of food prepared at the auspicious time.

Visiting relatives

This is the time everyone enjoys their free time and take leave from their busy ventures. As a custom during Avurudu season people visit their relatives. They take sweets and gift for them. They pay their respect to elders and this is also the time to reconcile if there had been ill feelings.

It is really enjoyable to have tete- a- tete with relations and neighbours who do not have chance to meet them often.

Tables will be filled with various mouth watering dishes. Truly, the entire environment bears a merry atmosphere during Avurudu time.

The oil anointing ceremony

In ancient times oil anointing ceremony was held at temples and the chief incumbent of the temple applied coconut oil mixed with special liquid called Nanu and some medicinal herbs on villagers' heads. At present many people hold the anointment ceremony at home.

They use herbal leaves, stand on to anoint oil on head. Leaves such as margosa, banyan and Kolon are used. The oil anointing ceremony is usually held towards the latter part of the New Year celebration.

Exit from home for employment

The entire ceremony comes to an end with the exit from home for employment. It's believed that when they leave for work at the auspicious time, it will be highly effectual for the betterment of those employed.

This year the auspicious time to leave for work is on the 17 at 6.19 am clad in gold coloured dress facing the North.