Avurudu: Sinhala and Tamil New Year in the Village

If you’re on the south coast in mid-April, you’ll notice the village change. Shops close, families gather and the smell of sweets comes out of every kitchen. It’s Avurudu, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and one of the most important holidays of the year in Sri Lanka.

What is Avurudu?

The New Year falls around 13–14 April. It marks the end of the harvest season and the sun’s move into Aries in the traditional astrological calendar. Instead of a midnight countdown, the celebrations follow a set of auspicious times (nakath). These are worked out by astrologers and published in advance, telling families exactly when to do each ritual.

Traditions you might see

• Lighting the hearth at the auspicious time, and boiling milk in a new clay pot until it overflows, a sign of prosperity for the year ahead.
• Kiribath, milk rice cut into diamonds, is the first meal of the new year.
• The neutral period, a stretch of time between the old and new year when people stop work and spend time at temple or with family.
• The first transaction of the year, when family members exchange coins and small gifts, often wrapped in betel leaves.
• Visiting relatives and elders to share food and receive blessings.

Sweets everywhere

Avurudu is famous for its sweets. Look out for kavum (oil cakes), kokis (crisp, flower-shaped cookies), aasmi, aluwa and mung kavum. If someone offers you a plate, say yes.

Games and fun

Villages hold Avurudu games: tug of war, pillow fights on a pole, climbing a greased pole, bun-eating contests, and drumming on the raban. Visitors are almost always welcome to watch, and sometimes to join in.

Tips for travellers

• Expect closures. Many shops, restaurants and offices close for a few days, and public transport is very busy as people travel home. Stock up on essentials beforehand.
• Book transport early if you’re moving around the island at this time.
• Be respectful around rituals and temples. Dress modestly and take your shoes off where asked.
• Say “Suba Aluth Avuruddak Wewa!” It means “Happy New Year”, and people love hearing visitors try.

April is also a good time to catch the end of the south coast surf season, before the monsoon months arrive in May.