Glamorous avurudu event lights up Frankfurt

A colourful event was organised by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Frankfurt, Germany to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year recently at Zeppelinheim Sports Grounds, Neu-Isenburg with the participation and support of Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, German and other nationalities. The Chief Guest for the event was the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Germany Sarrath Kongahage, on the invitation of Consul General of Sri Lanka in Frankfurt, Germany Pradip Jayewardene.

The event commenced with the hoisting of the national flag and the national anthem and comprised the traditional boiling of milk and traditional breakfast. It continued with customary avurudu games late into the evening.

The participants were delighted with the sumptuous avurudu spread, which consisted of kavum, kiribath and other Sri Lankan sweetmeats rarely seen in Germany. A grand Sri Lankan lunch was provided and hoppers, vade', kottu and other Sri Lankan fast foods were available in the evening. Sri Lanka tea was available throughout the day.

Avurudu Kumari beauty pageant was the most colourful event with contestants from Sinhala, Tamil and German nationalities taking part. The winners of all events received attractive prizes thanks to generous support from sponsors. Top prizes were a Srilankan Airlines ticket, gift vouchers for Ayurvedic treatment and free accommodation in both Sri Lankan and Frankfurt Hotels. This event was a unique experience to many German participants who experienced Sri Lankan culture and revelry for the first time.

Ambassador Kongahage addressed the gathering. While wishing all participants all the best for the New Year, he used the opportunity to bid farewell to the Sri Lanka community and wish them all success in the future.

Consul General Pradip Jayewardene, thanked the Sri Lankan community and all nationalities for their participation to make the event a success. Further, he pointed out that this kind of events was necessary to retain the customs and pass them on to the next generation. The Consul General appreciated the friendship between the Sinhala and Tamil communities in Frankfurt and expressed his hope of an enduring friendship. He also requested them to stay in contact with the Consulate General office. He thanked the sponsors and the individuals who gave their unstinted support to make this event a success. He also apologised for any shortcoming as a result of the unprecedented number of participants.