New Year & Harvest Festivals
The turning of the year and the gathering of the harvest are among the warmest, most family-centred celebrations in Sri Lanka. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, or Avurudu, arrives in April with auspicious timings for lighting the hearth and eating, along with village games, kavum and kokis sweets, and a genuine holiday mood across the country.
In January, the Tamil harvest festival of Thai Pongal gives thanks for the crop, cooking the first rice of the season in the open until it boils over as a sign of abundance. Both are wonderful to witness, though many businesses close, so plan transport and stays ahead if you travel during them.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Sinhala and Tamil New Year?
- Avurudu falls in mid-April, usually around the 13th and 14th, following astrological timings. It is one of the biggest holidays of the year, so expect closures.
- What is Thai Pongal?
- Thai Pongal is a Tamil harvest festival in January, giving thanks for the harvest by cooking sweet rice until it boils over, a symbol of prosperity.