 Sri Lankan's begin celebrating their New Year or Aluth Avurudhu (in Sinhala) and Puththandu (in Tamil).
On the day of celebrations, the sun is directly above Koggala (where a sun devale can be found). The Sri Lankan
New Year begins at a time determined by astrological signs.
The Sinhala and Tamil new year 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).
They exchange gifts, paying attention to seniority, and these activities release a fund of
goodwill and thus strengthen the foundation of family life.
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