 More Games and More Fun for New Year
by Prabuddha Athukorala
With the dawn of peace, people
have gone that extra mile to celebrate national events. If the
enthusiasm shown during last Christmas is anything to go by, we can
expect mega celebrations for the forthcoming New Year as well. In fact,
for the first time in ages, the term Sinhala and Tamil New Year will
have its true meaning as both groups will join hands to rejoice the
festivities.
New Year games are an integral part of this event. It is common to
see many communities organising New Year festivals throughout April to
bring life to these traditional games.
Long established games such as Kana Mutti Bindeema (a blindfolded
person has to hit and break a clay pot), Kotta Poraya (pillow Fight),
Pol Athu Wiweema (cadjan weaving), Climbing a greasy pole, Tug-of-war,
Raban Gaseema and many more games are still among the most attractive
events.
It is important to note that all these games are played in very good
spirit. Winning or losing doesn’t matter, in fact most take part in New
Year competitions to have a good laugh. A variety of skills such as
bravery, strength, patience and team work are tested in these games.
Furthermore, such gatherings are ideal places to strengthen the bonds
among the local community.
New additions have made the festivals more colourful and appealing to
smaller ones.
Aliyata aha thabima (blindfolded person marking the eye of an
elephant), Banis Kema (eating a bun with hands tied behind), Blowing
balloons, Bithara Allima (catching eggs) are some events younger ones
adore most.
Many more additions are done depending on the locality. But any New
Year feast won’t be complete without the Avurudu Kumari and Kumara
pageant. Usually this is the grand finale, as both young and old eagerly
wait when local beauty queens take centre stage clad in traditional
clothing.
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