From Harvest to Harmony

 The Spirit of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year


The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, or “Aluth Aurudhu” in Sinhala and “Puthandu,” in Tamil, is a cultural festival that is believed to have originated as a harvest celebration, signifying the sun’s transition from the astrological constellation Pisces to Aries. New Year is in the month of Bak (April) "Times of Plenty" comes from bhagya имос Fortune stuff borrowed from Sanskrit. Many rituals like boiling a pot of milk, making of milk rice, decorating houses with Kolam etc., are also performed on this day as a symbol to welcome guests and the Goddess of prosperity – Lakshmi.


The ceremonies surrounding this celebration employ the energies of alliance, which directly approaches distancing and isolation in the theme of renewal. In Sinhalese traditions, children offer a sheaf of betel to their elders and in Hindu traditions, as prayers are offered post pooja, five mango leaves in a pot immerse with coconut lighted joss sticks flowers betel leaves nuts pack bananas sweet rice etc. are manifestations of gratitude by offering thanks to the Gods that make up for the pooja completed.


It is a time where colorful customs are celebrated and where the varied history of both Sinhalese and Tamils is valued.


                                                

                                  

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