Sinhala and Tamil New Year

Amongst all festivals in Sri Lanka, the Sinhala & Tamil New Year is especially celebrated with great pomp and show to mark the end of the harvest season and spring. The people in Sri Lanka have the notion that the Prince of Peace, Indradeva, comes down to earth to bless the people with happiness and peace and thus, this is also the time for the change of thoughts.

Both Sinhalese, as well as the Tamil people in the country, have their rituals such as the playing of a Raban, a drum, by women in the community, preparing Kiribath (a rice preparation in milk), Kavum (an oil cake) and Kokis (a sweetmeat snack). The date of the auspicious new year gains its significance through astrological calculations.

Where: Throughout Sri Lanka

When: 13th - 14th April