New Year:

Everlasting peace and eternal prosperity

Amidst the divisive strains that have emerged in the political life of our people recently the Sinhala and Tamil New Year reminds us a forgotten message. In fact, this New Year emphasises the underlying oneness of our society. It reflects the homogeneity of thought and tradition that binds those born in our soil whether they live in North or in South. A common mood of festivity of goodwill and of generosity, the nearness of their astrological timings, the parallels in ritualistic observances, all confirm deeply rooted historical associations. These bonds show themselves large enough to establish a common allegiance, a common identity with the land of their birth.

This New Year which is universally observed generally includes rites and ceremonies that are the expression of mortification, purgation, invigoration and jubilation over life's renewal. Furthermore, renewals mark the course of life in nature and in human existence. The survival of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year through long periods of colonialism and westernization testifies to the strength of natural characters in this country. It establishes the depth and durability of an indigenous culture. It bears witness to the long traditions that grew out of Lanka's ancient civilization.

Pudhu Varudam or New year which marks the Hindu Solar New Year beginning on the first of the Tamil month of Chittirai (April). New Year is indeed an auspicious occasion for the Hindus. In Panjab, Haryana, Assam, Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos too, this day is celebrated as the New Year.

Sun's transition

Further, from time immemorial the Hindus have considered the transition of the sun as an auspicious event. The sun is the presiding deity of the planetary system and the entry from pieces, the last house in the Zodiac to Aries, the first house is significant marking the beginning of the New Year.

The Hindu Almanac known as the Pan Chaangam substantiated by astrological calculations gives us the exact time of the dawn of the New Year.

In fact, the month of April also marks the birth of spring. Even in the Sangam classics there are references to the joyous activities of the spring. The great Epics Silappadikaram gives a vivid description of Indira Vizha.

The “Lord Indira” referred to in Silappadikaram and associated with festival of this nature.” Lord Indira” is considered to be a God or protector in view of these favourable factors. The Hindus have counted upon the Siththirai (April) as the first month of the year. On the New Year Day, the Hindus particularly the women get up early in the morning and annoint themselves, apply a Maruthu Neer (Herbal Water) obtained usually from Temples and have bath during Punniyakalam (Auspicious time). They wear new clothes and go to temples for worship.

In temples, the bells ring loudly haralding the birth of New year. The cuckoo peals the dawn of the melodious birth of spring with many tunes. The gentle dawn breeze embraces everyone and instels a sense of new hope and confidence.

In homes, milk rice is cooked with jaggery and offered to the sun or the Gods. The poor are treated with lavish meals. The workers, relatives and neighbours join in merry-making. The first handling of money is done at the auspicious time. This is called Kaiveshekam and is always received from good hearted people. It is also considered to be lucky transaction and one looks forward to an year of plenty and prosperity.

To the young, particularly to the children it is a day of sport and fun. They enjoy themselves wearing new clothes and lighting of crackers. The youth enjoy themselves with Porthenkai (crushing of coconuts). This sport is said to have come to Tamil Nadu from Greece when there was brisk Greece-Roman Trade.

Peace and harmony

Indeed, New Year festival is significant to me and all since everyone is endeavouring to bring about peace, ethnic, harmony and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. Further, New Year is a festival of freedom, peace, unity and compassion crystallized in the last hymn on unity in the Indian spiritual text the “Rig Veda”:- Let your aim be one and single, let your heart be joined in one, the mind at rest in unison at peace with all, so you may be.”

Furthermore, Sri Lanka which was described by great men as “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, the “Paradise isle of the East,” the island in the sun” is passing through the most critical and crucial period in history. As such, the need of the hour is profound and abiding love for the country and greater sacrifice for the sake of our children, the future generation. As we commit ourselves to the ceremonies of cleaning and renewal, caring and sharing and usher in New Year, may our ethnic problems be sorted out, so that we may work towards building a society where everlasting peace and eternal prosperity prevail in our lovely island “Sri Lanka”.

Chelvatamby Maniccavasagar