A different perception of Avurudu

Nilma Dole

You really know that the Avurudu season has hit the city when you pass 'House of Fashion' where die-hard shoppers clamour to get in. A majority of these people travel from far-flung parts of the country just in order to buy New Year clothes but couldn't they do it in their own towns and save money as well?

Says shopper Manisha, "One of the main reasons I come to shop in Colombo is to see the city sights and take in the beauty of its constantly developing skyline".

Shopping

Six year old Nilusha, who came with her family from Galle said, "I like Avurudu because it is when I come to Colombo to select fancy toys which are not available in the toy store in our town".

"It might be cheaper to buy clothes in our own towns but since I visit my family who live in Colombo, it gives me the ideal chance to see them and do shopping also" said Chaminda Perera, yet another shopper.

Exhibition centres BMICH and SLECC also have their respective sales and fairs in lieu of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Shopping malls like Majestic City, Liberty Plaza, Crescat Boulevard and ODEL have their own Avurudu discount sales. "Even though I don't celebrate Avurudu, it's the best time for shopping, meeting friends, taking a break from routine work and eating sweet meats", said student Fathima Asgar. "Every little shop or departmental store in every nook and corner of the city is giving their own little discount" said H. Jainudeen.

Sweet meats

Even though some of might not celebrate Avurudu, we most certainly enjoy it! We always wait in anticipation for our Sinhalese and Tamil friends to gift us with sweet meats and 'Rasa kevili' that makes the month of April a good one.

Taking part in the Avurudu festival helps to keep you in shape and it is a fun way to have friendly competition with games like 'Kota Pora', 'Grease Pole' and even the 'Avurudu Kumari contest'.

Hotels and guest houses around Sri Lanka give special discounts and reduced prices in lieu of the Avurudu season and many hotels are having delicious buffets to fulfill the Avurudu sweet tooth.

Traditional rituals

The 'rabana' drum heralds the Avurudu and the traditional rituals and customs like lighting the milk pot and applying oil are done. "Wearing new clothes is the Avurudu custom but as I'm not Sinhala or Tamil, treating myself to a something new makes me feel special on Avurudu day" said Mrs. A. d'Almeida. Since the influence of the Avurudu is prevalent in the country, many do something special on 'Avurudu'.

"The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the time when I donate money to charity because we should think of those who are not lucky enough to celebrate it," said Upali Jayawardena.

This year, Christians also take the days preceding Avurudu as their special days like Good Friday and Easter Sunday with the Poya holiday starting the holiday season.

Many find it the ideal time to meet with family and friends or just get out of the city to take a break. "I feel much confident in travelling around Sri Lanka as peace is just around the corner and it's good to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with a happy feeling," said Ailsa, a Scottish tourist.

All in all, the Avurudu is one of the best holidays of the Sri Lankan calendar where everyone can have fun!