• Sri Lankans on celebrating the New Year with a modern twist

We can observe significant changes in the traditions and customs surrounding Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations, especially compared to the practices of previous generations. One noticeable shift is the emphasis on convenience and enjoyment in today’s festivities.

In the past, celebrations often revolved around strict adherence to traditional rituals, with elaborate preparations and ceremonies taking precedence. However, in recent times, there seems to be a more relaxed approach, with families focusing more on spending quality time together and partaking in activities that bring joy and pleasure.

Another noticeable change is the integration of modern elements into traditional celebrations. While certain customs remain unchanged, such as the lighting of the hearth at auspicious times and the preparation of traditional sweets and dishes, there’s now a fusion of contemporary practices alongside these age-old traditions. For example, families may incorporate modern games, music, and entertainment into their New Year gatherings, adding a new layer of excitement and vibrancy to the festivities.

The Daily Morning Brunch reached out to a few Sri Lankans for their thoughts on what changes they have noticed in the traditions and customs surrounding Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations compared to the practices of the previous generation and how they have adapted or preserved these evolving traditions. Here’s what they had to share.

‘A cultural celebration’

-        Antoinette George

Growing up, my family celebrated the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in a rather simple yet meaningful way. Despite being Catholic Tamils, my mom’s side of the family would gather at my grandma’s place for Avurudu, as we fondly called it.

In recent years, however, my celebration has taken on a different flavour. Last year, I joined my in-laws in their New Year festivities, where we continued the tradition of lighting the stove and sharing a meal together. It’s a beautiful blend of customs and cultures, a testament to the universal spirit of the New Year.

What I’ve come to realise is that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year isn’t just a religious festival; it’s a cultural celebration that transcends religious boundaries. Regardless of our faith backgrounds, we all come together to mark this auspicious occasion in our own unique way.

Whether it’s boiling milk and eating together or simply lighting the stove at the right moment, these traditions hold a special place in our hearts. They connect us not only to our cultural heritage but also to each other, fostering a sense of unity and belonging that goes beyond religion.

‘Difficult to maintain traditions’-  Akhilendra Gunawardana

Given the state of everything, it is difficult to maintain traditions the way we used to. I’m sure everyone can attest to that to some degree. While I can’t speak for my community, we maintain as much of what we used to do in what little ways we can, whether it’s the wood fire for the boiling of the milk or the ‘kavili’ we eat. I suppose since everyone grew up, the games we used to play aren’t something we can do anymore anyway.

‘From customs to enjoyment’- Senara Fernando

The change I have noticed is that now the focus is more on the more enjoyable aspects of the traditions rather than the customary generational ones; meaning convenience and pleasure is prioritised.

How some communities adapt is by incorporating more enjoyable activities alongside the old traditional ones so that collectively people would be more likely to still incorporate them.

‘A fresh start’- Sadira Sittampalam

As someone with Tamil roots, I’ve noticed a significant shift in the way Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations are carried out compared to the traditions of previous generations. While I haven’t been deeply involved in many of these customs in the past, lately, there’s been this stirring within me – a longing to reconnect with my cultural heritage.

It’s so easy, especially for us younger folks, to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of modern life and lose touch with our roots. But with the New Year right around the corner, it feels like the perfect time to hit the reset button and give our traditions the attention they deserve. It’s like a fresh start – a chance to look back at where we come from and honour the traditions that have been passed down through the ages.

Reconnecting with our culture isn’t just about preserving old customs; it’s about understanding who we are and where we come from. It’s about weaving the threads of our heritage into the fabric of our daily lives, finding ways to make these age-old traditions relevant in today’s world.

And you know what? It’s about time we give these traditions the credit they deserve. They’re not just relics of the past; they’re the very foundation of our identity. They connect us to our ancestors, to our community, and to something greater than ourselves.

So, as we gear up to welcome the New Year, let’s not just celebrate; let’s commemorate. Let’s honour the old while embracing the new. Let’s create traditions that reflect who we are today while paying homage to the legacy of those who came before us. In doing so, we ensure that our cultural heritage remains alive and vibrant for generations to come.

‘A balancing act’ - Dinil Jayasekara

Living abroad as a Sri Lankan, you can’t help but notice how our celebrations for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year have evolved to fit our new environment. It’s like a balancing act, trying to keep our traditions alive while adapting to the challenges thrown our way. Take, for instance, the simple act of boiling milk indoors. Back home, it’s a ritual steeped in tradition, but here, with fire alarms and safety regulations, it’s often just not practical. So, we make adjustments, finding alternative ways to honour the occasion without setting off any alarms.

And let’s talk about ingredients – sourcing fresh coconut or other traditional items outside Sri Lanka can feel like a treasure hunt. Sometimes, it’s just not feasible. That’s when we get creative, turning to canned alternatives or local substitutes to whip up dishes like milk rice. Sure, it might not taste exactly the same, but it’s our way of holding onto that connection to our culinary roots.

Then there’s ‘kavili’, those delightful sweets and snacks that make New Year celebrations extra special. Instead of hunting down hard-to-find ingredients, we make do with what’s available locally, putting our own spin on traditional recipes. It’s all about improvising and adapting while keeping the spirit of the festivities alive, no matter where we are in the world.

Living abroad as a Sri Lankan is all about finding that delicate balance between preserving our cherished traditions and rolling with the punches. Sure, some customs might need a tweak here and there, but the heart and soul of our cultural heritage remain intact. It’s a testament to our resilience and determination to keep our traditions alive, even when we’re miles away from home.