New Year dawns at Jetwing Hotels

The melodious call of the Koha bird (the Asian Koel), heralds the dawn of the New Year, an event steeped in auspice and tradition. Reminiscent of the festival of Christmas, the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year is a time for family, for celebration and expectation for the year to come. With smiles and laughter all around, as well as delicious sweetmeats and community games, Avurudu is definitely not to be missed.

This Avurudu, Jetwing Hotels offers visitors the chance to participate in an authentic Sri Lanka New Year, with properties around the country holding the traditional games such as the popular Kotta Pora, Lissana gahe as well as selection of the Avurudu Kumari amongst many others.

In Negombo, Jetwing Blue and Jetwing Beach are pulling out all the stops: Beginning early at 7 am, a mini-marathon of 3km will start the day’s fun.

The hoisting of the National Flag, as well as traditional activities such as the boiling of milk, the lighting of the oil lamp, beating of the raban will signify the commencement of a new year.

Games and competitions follow, with sack races and bun eating for children, traditional drama and songs, tug o’ war as well as the ever popular kana mutti being some of the events planned. The day’s proceedings will come to a close with the selection of the Avurudu Kumari, and the distribution of gifts. Jetwing Beach will hold a swimming competition as well as sand castle competition for children on the 14th.

Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions will host a special Sweetmeat Breakfast for guests on the 14th and the anointing of oil at the auspicious time.

Jetwing Sea begins their programme on the 11th with a traditional Avurudu Ulela at the Lellama restaurant and will celebrate the dawn of the New Year with a breakfast buffet featuring Sri Lankan sweetmeats, and till the 17th will feature themed buffet meals.

Jetwing Vil Uyana begins their Avurudu programme at 10 am, with the hoisting of the National Flag to the stirring tones of the Sri Lankan National Anthem.

Afterwards, guests are to be welcomed in the traditional manner, with the presentation of betel leaves, and the festivities begin with the lighting of the oil lamp.

Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle will begin their Avurudu activities in the afternoon, with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp and boiling of milk; followed by children’s games.

A few miles away, Tangalla Bay is heavily into the occasion, with games galore organized on the tempting beach front.

The hills of Sri Lanka are a popular family destination in the month of April, and Jetwing St. Andrew’s has the entire month planned with theme nights, food festivals and plenty of special offers.

The 14th is to be quite a busy day, with the MotoCross at the NEM Racing Complex, as well as the Hill Club Tennis Tournament, and a special Sri Lankan Carnival Buffet at Jetwing St. Andrew’s in the night, not to be missed!