The Sri Lankans celebrate the dawn of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year tomorrow (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 2023 Sinhala and Tamil New Year:

Dawn of the New Year
New Year will dawn at 2:59 p.m. on April 14 (Friday)

Punya Kaalaya (‘Nonagathaya’ or Inauspicious Time) 
Punya Kalaya or inauspicious time is from 8:35 a.m. to 9:23 p.m. on April 14 (Friday)

Preparation of Meals
Preparing meals for the New Year should begin at 3:29 p.m. on April 14 (Friday).
Light the hearth, clad in mix-colored clothes while facing the direction of the south. Prepare milk rice mixed with curd as well as sweetmeats containing Undu flour (Urad).

Commencing Work, Transactions and Partaking in Meals
April 14 (Friday) at 5:05 p.m. clad in mix-colored clothes and facing the direction of east

Anointing Oil
April 16 (Sunday) at 9:41 a.m. clad in red and yellow while facing the direction of south

Leaving for Work
April 17 (Monday) at 6:28 a.m. clad in white-colored clothes while facing the south when leaving the house

Planting of Tree Saplings
April 20 (Thursday ) at 6:38 a.m. clad in golden-colored clothes while facing the direction of east