In April, Sri Lankans celebrate their National New Year – “Aluth Avurudda” in

Sinhala and “Puththandu” in Tamil. The sun moving from the House of Pisces to

the House of Aries signals the dawning of the Sinhala/Tamil New Year. However,

unlike the usual practice where the New Year begins at midnight, the beginning of

the New Year and the conclusion of the old year are specified by astrologers.

There is a period of a few hours in between the conclusion of the Old Year and the

 commencement of the New Year, which is called the “nonagathe” (neutral period).

 During this time one is expected to keep off from all types of work and engage

solely in religious activities.

The New Year falls on the 13th or 14th day of April,

preceded by at least two weeks of preparations, devoted to shopping and making

 hundred-and-one varieties of sweetmeats. Especially, coconut oil-based

sweetmeats called Keum are high on the traditional holiday menu. In April, schools

 are on holidays. So children often help getting the household ready for the

 eventful day. The constant lighting of firecrackers and the unmistakable call of the

 koel bird, which coos only once a year-at this time, herald the Avuruddha.

 The ceremonial meal is prepared with a sense of happiness and excitement as the

 New Year celebrations approach. The whole family, dressed in the year's lucky

color and facing the auspicious direction, sits for the first meal, soon after having

 visited friends and relatives. The time then is at its most auspicious, so it is

believed that whatever is initiated at this time will undoubtedly yield to good

things. The next day or two are joyous times where everyone enjoys playing,

eating, drinking, merry making and visiting relatives and loved ones. Thus, the

 age-old venerable traditions still take place in every house.