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In April (the month of Bak), when the sun moves from the Meena Rashiya (House of Pisces) to the Mesha Rashiya (House of Aries) in the celestial sphere; Sri Lankans begin celebrating their New Year or Aluth Avurudhu (in Sinhala) and Puththandu (in Tamil). It marks the end of the harvest season and also coincides with one of 2 instances when the sun is directly above Sri Lanka. A new year of the Saka era begins with each festival.

However, unlike the Western celebration of the new year at midnight on December 31st, the Sri Lankan New Year begins at a time determined by astrological signs. Also unlike western traditions; the ending of the old year, and the beginning of the new year occur several hours apart from one another (this span is determined by astrology as well) - this period is, aptly enough, referred to as the nona gathe (neutral period). During this time Sri Lankans are, according to custom, encouraged to refrain from material pursuits, and engage solely in religious activities and traditional games.

The date upon which the Sri Lankan New Year occurred, while determined by astrological signs, also tends to coincide with the end of the harvest season - for this reason, many farming communities celebrate the new year while gathering fruits that have fallen from their trees.

Cultural rituals begin shortly after the beginning of the new year with the cleaning of the house and lighting of an oil lamp. In some communities, women congregate to play upon on the raban (drum) to warn others of the incipient change in the year.

Families indulge in a variety of rituals which are carefully determined by astrological calculations - from lighting the fire to making the kiri bath, (milk rice) to entering into the first business transaction and eating the first morsels.

Once these are done, the partying really begins as families mingle in the streets, homes are thrown open and children are let out to play. The ubiquitous plantain is dished out alongside celebratory feasts of kaung (small oil cake) and kokis (crisp and light sweetmeat, originally from the Netherlands).

Aurudu has become an important national holiday for both the cultures of the Sinhalese Buddhists and the Tamil Hindu Sri Lankans, and is unique as such, as it is not celebrated elsewhere in the world.

History
The mythological conception of a `Aluth Avuruddha' is that the Prince of Peace called Indradeva descends upon the earth to ensure peace and happiness. He comes in a white carriage wearing on his head a white floral crown seven cubits high. He first dips, like a returning space capsule plunges, breaking earth's gravity, into a `kiri' or sea of milk.

The actual history of the New Year goes back to primitive period in Sri Lankan history. Various beliefs, perhaps those associated with fertility, gave birth to many rituals, customs and ceremonies connected with the New Year. The advent of Buddhism in the third century BC led to a re-interpretation of the existing New Year activities in the Buddhistic light. The majority of the people in the country were Buddhists, and as such, it is that the Buddhist outlook was predominant in transforming the New Year rites to what they are now.

Hinduism, on the other hand, existed side by side with Buddhism, in medieval times. New Year practices interpreted in the Hinduistic way developed among the Hindus. Buddhism and Hinduism were historically connected with each other. Their philosophies were running along parallel dimensions, except for certain ultimate truths concerning the self, the way to achieve emancipation and the nature of a creative god and nirvana (which Buddhism denies). There was no serious contradiction in New Year rituals that are found among the Buddhists and Hindus.
Rituals - Customs

[edit] Bathing for passing year
The customary bathing for the passing year is equally important facet. Herbal bath gives physical purification. When one takes a herbal bath over the entire body, anointed with gingelly oil or mustard oil that provides a soothing effect for the body. Herbal baths are prescribed in Vedas too.

For this year, water mixed with the Juice of Bo leves is recommended. Body massage and herbal bath promotes blood circulation, and it is considered the best method of maintaining positive health. Herbal baths are prescribed as a method of treatment in many nervous disorders and diseases of the muscles and joints.
[edit] Promote family bonds
Another salient feature of the New Year is to respect the elders and to strengthen relationships with neighbours. Usually, visiting relations and friends and exchanging presents, greeting them with a sheaf of betel is the order of the day. Betel is considered a sacred herb with many medicinal values. Chewing of betel along with cloves, cardamoms and arecanut after a meal is considered the best way to strengthen the gums. A chew of betel cleans the mouth, and wades off bad breath. The juice of betel leaves promotes digestion, kills organisms which are ha

And BaRF Update

Cumin enjoying a tasty snack. One that, unfortunately, makes Gumbo violently vomit with only the tiniest taste. That means Gumbo can't be around when I offer this treat, and I have to be sure that every last morsel is off the floor. That's what canines are for, right?

We are rapidly progressing toward an all-BaRF diet in our home. Amazingly, we will go through two pounds of meat each and every day. That's what happens with eight felines, though. Food goes fast. Even more amazingly, all eight cats are on-board with the diet. Of course, Vidalia, Curio, Grigsby, and Gumbo immediately embraced the raw food. Gradually Cumin and Ariel joined. Ariel enjoys the meal but requires at least ten undisturbed minutes to eat. THAT can be a challenge. Especially with Curio egging her on to abandon her food. He's not allowed near her, but (just like little kids) knows how to push her buttons from across the room. Sigh. That means Curio downs his food in twenty seconds then spends ten minutes locked in the bathroom. And Ariel gets to enjoy her whole meal.

Raven has decided that she enjoys the raw food and no longer turns up her nose and walks away. This morning she downed it all and licked her plate clean before licking a few other plates clean as well. The other hold-out has been my beloved quirky MoMo. Hard to believe, but now he bellies up to his dish and downs his full BaRF meal. Eight happy felines. Well, Curio's happy once I let him out of the bathroom, lol.

Two pounds per day. . . sixty pounds per month. . . I'll do bulk orders, but that's still A LOT of food. I need containers to freeze them. Thankfully Kevin has a new fridge in the kitchen, so we have both a fridge and a freezer in the basement. Will need to purchase taurine to add to the food. So far all the food has been supplemented, but bulk orders aren't. Taurine is such a must. The store puts out a handout indicating that no added taurine is needed, but my own research raises questions, and there's no evidence that too much is harmful (except for my dear Raven with her kidney issues). I'll be careful with her food. And have her get her kidney function rechecked soon.

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