Did you know that many countries and cultures around the world celebrate the New Year not on January 1st, but according to auspicious times—guided by astrological alignments, harvest cycles, and astrological chosen moments for rituals?
In many countries, across South and Southeast Asia, these are big celebrations and festivals rooted on the movement of the sun.
In Sri Lanka, it’s one of the most major and vibrant festivals is the Sinhala and Tamil community, celebrated each April.
What Is the Sinhala and Tamil New Year?
Known as Aluth Avurudda in Sinhala and Puththandu in Tamil, this festival marks the transition from the old year to the new. It is based on the sun’s movement from Pisces (Meena) to Aries (Mesha)
This festival follows a unique set of carefully determined auspicious times, known as Nekath. These times are prescribed by astrologers, and they believe to bring blessings and good fortune.
During this period, everyday activities are not done randomly— rather they are performed at specific, times, often accompanied by devotion, and ritual.
During this season, every activity is done at a specific pre- described time.
1) Bathing for the Old Year (April 13th)
Families cleanse themselves using herbal mixtures.
2) The Dawn of the New Year (April 14— 9:32 AM)
At the exact auspicious time, all work stops. People engage in religious observances.
3) Preparing the First Meal (April 14th, 10:51 AM)
Dressed in red and facing South, families cook the first meal— often milk rice, sweat delicacies made with coconut and Jaggery.
4) Engaging in Work and Transactions (April 14th, 12:06 PM)
Dressed in red and facing South.
Work and financial activities begin only at a prescribed time.
5) Head Oil Ritual (April 15, 6:55 AM)
Wearing green, families apply herbal oil.
6) First day for Work (April 20, 6:27AM)
Dressed in white facing South.
Individuals step out for work facing a specific direction, often sharing milk rice made with milk or gee.
7) Planting Seeds (April 23rd, 09:01 AM)
Facing north and dressed in gold color, they plant seeds.
This year, Sinhala and Tamil new year falls between 13 (today) all through 23rd April.
