Help a local family prepare traditional sweets and witness the ceasing of all work during the 'Nonagathe' period.
Cultural Festival
Sinhala & Tamil New Year
Island-wide
April
2-3 days
10/10
About this festival
Known as Avurudu to the Sinhalese and Puthandu to the Tamils, this April harvest festival marks the sun's transition from Pisces to Aries. The entire country practically shuts down as families return to their ancestral homes. The festival is unique in its reliance on astrology: auspicious times (Nekath) are calculated for every activity, from lighting the hearth to boiling milk to taking the first bite of traditional sweets like Kavum and Kokis. Villages host lively Avurudu Uthsava (festivals) featuring traditional sports like pillow fighting, climbing greased poles, and tug-of-war.
Highlights
- Watch the auspicious hearth-lighting and milk-boiling ceremonies
- Indulge in an endless spread of traditional sweetmeats (Kavum, Kokis, Aluwa)
- Participate in wildly fun village games like pillow fighting on a log
- Experience true Sri Lankan hospitality in a rural village setting
Itinerary
The celebration, day by day
Follow the festival through its defining moments. Open any day to see how the experience unfolds.
3 featured moments
Cultural Context
Rooted in agriculture, the festival gives thanks for the successful Maha harvest. It emphasizes family bonds, forgiveness, honoring elders, and renewing ties with neighbors.