It's time for Avurudu celebrations

by Husna Inaythullah

Junior Observer spoke to some children on how they are going the celebrate the Sinhala and Hindu New Year. This is what they had to say...

K. Kishalan

Our New Year falls on April 14. On that day I have a bath in the morning with herbal water. I wear new clothes and get the blessings of the parents and elders at home. This year we will be going to the Kovil with the whole family. My mother makes delicious sweetmeats. I will eat a lot this year. I love to eat the sweets prepared by my mother. I am waiting eagerly to celebrate the New Year.

Thejushvi Nagadharshan

I help my mother to clean and wash the house before the New Year. This year I will help my mother prepare sweets and decorate our doorstep with mango leaves. On New Year's day, I will have a bath in the morning with herbal water (Maruthu neir). I will wear new clothes and help my mother to make pongal rice. I will go to the Kovil with my family. I will share the sweetmeats among our neighbours and visit our relatives in the evening.

Janiru Dinnath Sudasinghe

I am happy when the Avurudu season comes as we get the first school vacation in April. We can hear the songs of the cuckoo bird everywhere. I visit my grandmother and relatives with many gifts during the New Year. I play games with my friends. I go shopping with my mother to buy new clothes, sweets and toys. My grandmother makes kavum, kokis and aluwa which we enjoy. We do many things according to the auspicious times. I like to light fire crackers during the festival. I hope to participate in the Avurudu Kumaraya contest at the Avurudu Uthsawaya.

Pamudi Thawinsa Perera

I love the Avurudu. It is a time of happiness and joy. I will help the poor during the New Year. I will buy presents with the help of my parents for the poor children. I will buy toys, clothes and sweetmeats for them. I feel that sharing and caring is the joy of the New Year. I will also participate in the Avurudu festival games.

Aadhira Muththu

I am highly excited to celebrate the New Year. I will help my mother to prepare the sweetmeats. My mother decorates our house and specially our doorstep. On New Year's day, I will have a bath in the morning with herbal water (Maruthu neir). I will wear new clothes and eat milk rice with bananas and go to the Kovil with my family. .