Nonagathaya
The neutral period between years, reserved for worship and reflection.
Culture · Heritage · Renewal
A season of new beginnings.
Aluth Avurudda brings families, communities and generations together through ritual, food, play and shared hope.
Discover the traditionSinhala & Tamil New Year
Watch the celebrationOne island, many rituals,a shared sense of renewal.
Known as Aluth Avurudda in Sinhala and Puthandu in Tamil, the celebration is far more than the beginning of a calendar year. It is a living expression of heritage, gratitude and togetherness—carried through generations and renewed each April.
Sun, harvest and time
A celebration written in the stars.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year follows ancient solar calculations. It marks the movement of the sun from Pisces to Aries—a moment of deep astrological significance.
With roots stretching back more than two thousand years, the festival is closely tied to Sri Lanka's agrarian past and the end of the harvest season. Shared solar traditions allowed Sinhalese and Tamil communities to develop rituals that echo one another across language and faith.
During Nonagathaya, worldly activity pauses. Attention turns instead to worship, reflection and the quiet space between an ending and a beginning.
Auspicious moments
Rituals that bring a year to life.
Lighting the hearth
The first fire of the year and the preparation of kiribath, a symbol of prosperity.
The first meal
Families gather at an auspicious time to share milk rice, kavum, kokis and aluwa.
Transactions & respect
Gifts, betel leaves and acts of gratitude renew bonds between generations.
Oil anointing
Herbal oil is applied as a traditional blessing for health, protection and wellbeing.
Games & gathering
Play keeps tradition in motion.
01
Kotta Pora · pillow fighting
02
Kana Mutti Bindeema · breaking the pot blindfolded
03
Lissana Gaha Nagima · climbing the greasy pole
04
Olinda Keliya · a traditional board game
05
Pancha Keliya
06
Raban playing · drumming and song
What the season carries
Old values, ever relevant.
01
Unity
Families and communities gather across ethnic and religious boundaries.
02
Respect
Elders, ancestors and long-held traditions are honoured with gratitude.
03
Renewal
The past is released and the year begins with intention and optimism.
04
Generosity
Food, gifts and time are shared openly with neighbours and loved ones.
05
Balance
Spiritual reflection and joyful celebration sit side by side.
Across cities, villages and diaspora communities, Aluth Avurudda remains a cultural anchor—adapting to modern life while preserving its generous heart.
Watch & listen