• The deeper meaning of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year

April begins with the cheerful chirping of the ‘koha’ (koel bird), signifying the start of the New Year season and festivities. April, known as Bak in Sinhala, marks the conclusion of the harvest season, a time of abundance, and the commencement of a new solar year. This year, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year falls on 12 and 13 April, holding significant cultural importance for both communities.

The traditional Sinhala New Year is deeply rooted in religious and astrological beliefs. Astrologically, Avurudu day signifies the beginning of summer, as the sun transitions from Meena Rashi to Mesha Rashi (Pisces to Aries), completing a solar year. New Year celebrations adhere to strict astrological guidelines, blending elements of Hinduism and Buddhism. Auspicious timings are determined for lighting the first fire (‘gini melaweema’) and partaking in New Year dining (‘anubhawaya’). Visiting temples during ‘nonagataya’ is recommended to seek blessings.

Special foods such as oil cakes, kokis, and milk rice are essential for the Avurudu table. Milk rice, cooked at an auspicious time, is a staple in every household. Families gather around the fire as milk boils, exchanging traditional greetings before the New Year feast. The festivities extend beyond feasting to include fun activities with relatives and traditional games, and conclude with heading to work on the auspicious date at an auspicious time.

A deeper meaning

New year celebrations, like Sinhala and Hindu New Year, connect families and communities worldwide. But is there more to our Avurudu traditions than just food, gifts, and cleaning? Do they hold deeper significance for us?

New Year’s traditions have a significant psychological impact. They serve as a starting point for self-reflection and goal setting, driven by the desire to align with our aspirations and the hope for positive change. Celebrating the dawn of a new year not only helps us mark time but also fosters a sense of achievement and community. Additionally, rituals can symbolise letting go of the past to make room for new beginnings.

One may interpret that Sinhala New Year customs are an expression of cultural identity and spiritual devotion. Through religious rituals, blessings, and astrological calculations, individuals find meaning and purpose in their traditions, fostering a sense of belonging and interconnectedness with the broader community.

The significance of religious rituals during the Sinhala New Year is evident in practices during the ‘nonagathaya’ (inauspicious time). This act is not merely a customary gesture but a symbolic acknowledgment of the spiritual aspects of life and the importance of divine intervention in shaping one’s fortunes in the coming year. By participating in these rituals, individuals reaffirm their faith and establish a sense of continuity with their religious heritage. Similarly, the reliance on astrological calculations reflects a belief in the interconnectedness of human existence with celestial phenomena.

A sense of belonging

The New Year celebration emphasises spending time with family and friends, strengthening social bonds, and fostering a sense of belonging. This aligns with psychological theories such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which places belonging as a fundamental human need. These gatherings provide an opportunity for family members to come together, celebrate shared traditions, and create lasting memories. Participation in communal activities cultivates fellowship and solidarity among neighbours and community members. Sharing food and gifts symbolises generosity and mutual support within the community. This sense of shared purpose and experience taps into the need for social connection and belonging. Overall, these traditions are essential for building and maintaining a sense of community and belonging.

Certainty and control

Observing auspicious timings for activities provides a sense of structure and predictability. This predictability can be comforting, especially when facing the unknown possibilities of the year ahead. Knowing exactly when to light the New Year’s fire or partake in the feast reduces the mental burden of decision-making. These rituals, often passed down through generations, are communal experiences. Engaging in them with loved ones fosters a sense of shared purpose and familiarity. The comfort of tradition can anchor individuals amidst change, serving as a buffer against potential stress. Successfully completing a ritual, such as boiling milk rice flawlessly at the auspicious time, brings a sense of achievement. These small victories can strengthen self-confidence and foster a sense of control, ultimately reducing stress.

From tradition to consumerism

Commercialisation poses potential changes to the essence of New Year customs. One aspect of this shift involves a move from tradition to consumerism. Advertisements and marketing campaigns seen on TV, radio, and social media seem to prioritise spending, prompting individuals to focus on buying specific New Year decorations, clothing, or food items. This emphasis on material possessions risks overshadowing the celebration of cultural heritage.

Moreover, convenience may begin to overshadow tradition. Ready-made New Year meals and pre-packaged gift sets have become increasingly popular, leading to a decline in traditional practices like communal food preparation and handmade gifts. Such changes could dilute the sense of community and shared experience integral to these customs.

Despite these challenges, commercialisation also brings potential benefits. It may improve accessibility to traditional items, allowing a broader audience to participate in the festivities. Additionally, increased spending on New Year items can stimulate the local economy, providing a boon to businesses and artisans involved in producing traditional goods.

To maintain balance amidst commercial influences, consumers can adopt conscious consumption habits. Prioritising purchases that support local businesses and traditional crafts can help preserve cultural authenticity. Similarly, families can make a concerted effort to uphold traditional rituals, such as communal food preparation and temple visits, despite commercial pressures.

Potential drawbacks 

While Avurudu, the Sri Lankan New Year, brings numerous mental health benefits, it also presents potential concerns. Financial strain from the pressure to purchase new items, coupled with the pursuit of perfection in preparations, can lead to stress and anxiety.

Social comparison, worsened by idealised portrayals on social media, may contribute to feelings of inadequacy and depression. Additionally, for those experiencing loss or separation from loved ones, Avurudu can intensify feelings of loneliness and grief. However, by managing expectations, fostering open communication, prioritising meaningful traditions, and seeking support when needed, individuals can mitigate these challenges and enhance the positive aspects of connection and celebration during Avurudu.

(The writer is a mental health professional and has, over the past 11 years, contributed to several Sri Lankan media publications in both English and Sinhala languages, focusing on topics related to psychology and counselling)