The new year dawns at 01.47pm on Tuesday, April 14. Astrologically, the new year (Aluth Avurudda in Sinhalese) symbolises the transition of the Sun from Pisces to Aries.

Punya Kalaya

The Punya Kalaya (Nonagathaya) for religious observances is from 07.23am - 08.11pm 12.56 pm on Tuesday, April 14.

In the initial part of the Nonagathaya before the dawn of the New Year, it is common practice to refrain from all work during this time. People refrain from lighting hearths and drawing water during this period and engage in religious activities until the dawn of the New year.

The latter part of the Nonagathaya ends at 8.01pm.

Lighting of the hearth

The auspicious time for lighting the hearth for boiling milk and cooking a sugar cane jaggery mixed milk rice (kiribath) is at 02.05pm on April 14.

The hearth should be set facing East. Red mixed attire is recommended.

New Year meal & Ganu Denu

The first meal for the New Year should be taken at 2.42pm on April 14 facing East.

This traditionally includes starting work and engaging in the first transaction for the New Year.

Anointing oil

The auspicious time for anointing oil is 9.06 am on April 15. Light green attire is recommended for this ceremony.

Departing for work

The auspicious time to depart for work falls on April 22 at 06.42am after partaking a meal of jaggery and sesame mixed milkrice and sweetmeats, facing Eastwards. Light green attire is recommended.

Departing for service purposes

The auspicious time to depart for services fall on Friday, April 17 at 06.03am after partaking a meal of jaggery mixed milkrice, facing Northwards. Blue attire is recommended.