Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Avurudu)

What is worn for Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Avurudu)

Avurudu, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year of Sri Lanka, falls around 13 and 14 April, when the sun enters Aries. Each step of the day, from the lighting of the hearth to the first meal and the first new clothes, is done at a hour set by the almanac, called the nekath, which also names a colour for the first dressing. Women wear a new saree or an osariya, the Kandyan style of the island, a saree draped in the Kandyan style, worn with a blouse that has a frilled sleeve. Boiled milk rice, called kiribath, and sweets such as kokis are made, and games like pillow fighting on a greased pole are played. Oil is anointed on the head, and children touch the feet of elders. The exact day follows the almanac.

The sarees

OsariyaThe Kandyan saree of Sri Lanka.SariThe ordinary saree, draped in the Indian style.