CULTURAL RITUALS

              SINHALA & HINDU NEW YEAR

         I am a Sinhalese and a Buddhist and in every year I celebrate our Sinhala and Hindu new year which falls on April. And the History says about the Sinhala and Hindu new year as it was celebrated in the Kandyan Kingdom as a national festival under the patronage of the kings. This was done in keeping with  the rituals.

        The astrologers worked out Nekath to perform the rituals in order to bring about prosperity and happiness to the people and country. Sinhala and Hindu new year dawns when the Sun moves from Meena Rashiya to Mesha Rashiya completing a cycle of a  twelve month period. The transition time know as ''Sanskranthi'' takes place on April 13 or 14. It is during this period that some of the rituals are performed to mark this important event of the year. The dawn of  Aluth Aurudda signifies social customs and good behavior of the Sinhala people. The majority of the people being the farmers, after their major harvest ''Maha'' of the year is over, celebrate the occasion in the form of giving thanks. The customs and rituals portray the beliefs and thinking of the people whose life is centered around agriculture.

                 The Sinhala and Hindu new year or as well all call it aurudu in Sinhala, has become an important national holiday for both Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus of Sri Lanka. It is unique because it is not celebrated in any other country as a national festival.