The government has released the ‘Avurudu Nekath Seettuwa’ for this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, yesterday stated an agreement was reached by multiple sections to publish a unified set of auspicious times (“Avurudu Nekath Seettuwa”) for this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
Speaking at a special press conference, the Minister noted that the final consensus was reached during discussions with the author of the ‘Epa Panchanga Litha’, Indika Epa Seneviratne; the author of the ‘Thirasara Panchanga Litha’, Chamath Kothalawala; and members of the alternative astrology group.
On March 10, a group of astrologers expressed dissatisfaction with the government, noting that this year’s New Year auspicious times were announced by members of the Poya Committee, and urged the government to take immediate action to appoint a New Year Auspicious Time Committee.
Amid this situation, the Sarvajana Balaya took the initiative last Saturday to prepare an “Avurudu Nekath Seettuwa” acceptable to all parties, as previously promised. This effort involved the participation of 17 astrologers.
According to the ‘Avurudu Nekath Seettuwa’ issued by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Sri Lankans celebrate the dawn of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on April 14.
The New Year, known as ‘Aluth Avurudda’ in Sinhala, and ‘Puththandu’ in Tamil, is celebrated by both communities by observing various rituals and customs.
According to traditional astrological belief, the Sun completes its movement across the twelve segments of the Zodiac in the course of a year taking one month to travel each constellation.
The transition of the Sun from the House of Pisces to the House of Aries marks the beginning of the New Year (Aluth Avurudu).
A number of customs and traditional beliefs are associated with Avurudu celebrations in Sri Lanka. The Sinhalese are influenced by astrological faiths and perform several religious practices during this time.
Auspicious Times of 2026 Sinhala and Tamil New Year:
Dawn of the New Year
New Year will dawn at 09:32 a.m. on April 14
Punya Kaalaya (‘Nonagathaya’ or Inauspicious Time)
Punya Kalaya or inauspicious time is from 03:08 a.m. to 03:56 p.m. on April 14
Preparation of Meals
Preparing meals for the New Year should begin at 10:51 a.m. on April 14
Commencing Work, Transactions and Partaking in Meals
April 14 at 12:06 p.m.
Anointing Oil
April 15 at 06:55 a.m.
Leaving for Work
April 20 at 06:27 a.m.
Planting of Tree Saplings
April 23 at 09:01 a.m.
