Nation Welcomes New Year With Sacred Traditions

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka will celebrate the dawn of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, in just a few hours, when the sun moves from the House of Pisces or Meena Rashiya to the House of Aries or Mesha Rashiya at 9:32 AM today. 

This celestial shift signals the beginning of a new cycle, steeped in centuries of heritage and community spirit.

The Punya Kaalaya, or the auspicious time, began early this morning at 3:08 AM, where the public was encouraged to cease all worldly activities and engage in religious observances until the period concluded at 3:56 PM this afternoon.

As we move into the latter part of the day, the focus shifts toward the hearth. The auspicious time for lighting the fire and cooking the first meal is set for 10:51 AM. 

Following tradition, devotees are encouraged to dress in red-colored attire and face South while preparing milk rice, traditional sweets, and curd. 

The boiling over of the milk pot remains a central symbol of the festivities, representing the collective hope for prosperity and success in the coming year.

Finally, the rituals of commencing work, engaging in financial transactions, and partaking in the first meal will take place at 12:06 PM. 

While continuing to wear red and facing the South, families across the country will sit together to share their first meal, marking the official start of their personal and professional journey into the New Year.