Avurudu reality

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

As Colombo empties of its denizens and the count down begins for the Sinhala and Hindu New Year, it is perhaps time to reflect on celebrations in times of change.

Traffic blocks that have become daily rituals, jaunty decorations outside shopping malls and banners screaming 'Sale' spell Avurudu, as much as the sounds of the Koha and the sights of the blood red erabadu. There is happiness in the air and an added jauntiness in the steps as families complete last minute shopping, happy they have been given a small respite that will enable them to stretch their rupee a bit further than the year before.

Shops are full and bargains galore, as the festive spirit gets cranked up another notch, reminding one that pre-festival activities are about shopping sprees and great deals as the festival itself is about family and tradition.

How was it in the early days you wonder, when preparations began weeks ahead, shopping was only done for necessities and 'home made' was the norm and not a rare exception? How has the Avurudu preparations changed for a generation growing up on 'store bought' convenience and packaged holiday deals?

Time was when colour washing the house was much a tradition as getting the ingredients ready for the traditions sweets, giving ear to the sound of the cuckoo bird, watching out for the flowering coral tree (erabadu) in the neighbourhood and stocking up on the firecrackers, to announce the arrival of the auspicious hour. Now, and rightfully, firecrackers are deemed not only expensive, but also a danger, and expedience overrules traditions, making one accept easy options like store bought kavum and kokis.

Happy avurudu

A happy avurudu is everyone's wish. So is a peaceful and prosperous Avurudu and a fresh start. New clothes, a well laid table, laden with traditional sweets are outer trappings that propel the hopeful wishes. A good start is always a good omen for the rest of the year.

Sunil (55) who lives in Gampaha and earns his daily wage by driving a three -wheeler says his family is committed to sticking to traditions when it comes to avurudu rituals. However, he wonders. "Will we be able enjoy the New Year as we used to do in the good old days," he said, pointing out that the cost of living is still high and there are other priorities in life that they need to spend money on, rather than bust it on one festival.

He is realistic about his situation, but believes the high cost of living has not dampened the festive spirit and points to the shopping rush and traffic congestions in the city to make his point.

Charllotte (65) who lives in Thalawathugoda and earns a living making sweetmeats like kavum, kokis, aluwa and aasmi, is quite famous in the area. She is moderately happy about the income, but says, "Order quantities have slightly dropped. People are not buying too much of sweets these days, I thought it was because of the cost but some do not like to eat too many sweets as many are concerned about diabetes." However, she is aware that festive sweets have become expensive, mainly because of the high cost of the ingredients.

Nayana's reality

For Nayana, a mother of two school attending children, who hails from Mount Lavinia, though Avurudu is a stressful time, it is worth the effort to go the extra mile to make it a joyful event because of the happiness it brings to family and friends. "We can not spend as much as we like, simply because there are so many other expenses like the children's education and health care need. That needs priority," she say, claiming that like many families in Colombo and elsewhere, she and her husband now buy avurudu goodies and spend more on gifts for their children, nephews and nieces.

Tradition and modernity, making changes and making do.... The Avurudu is a happy event and families irrespective of their incomes are ensuring that it remains a happy event. Parents taking a great effort to let their children enjoy the festivities as much as they did when they were young. Grown up children are trying to make their parents happy ensuing they enjoy the traditions. Even though the cost of living is skyrocketing the true avurudu spirit of bringing happiness has not faded away.

As the oft repeated truism points out, the more things change the more they remain they the same. For, if the Avurudu is about family, post Avurudu is about fun and frolic in a competitive atmosphere, where the name of the game is tradition and the overall ambiance is carnival. It doesn't matter whether you are in a village or town; the games are the same and the fun infectious.