The Sinhala and Tamil New Year dawned today (14) at 9.32 a.m., marking the beginning of one of Sri Lanka’s most significant cultural celebrations.

According to the ‘Avurudu Nekath Seettuwa’ issued by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, the preparation of meals is scheduled for 10.51 a.m. Dressed in red attire and facing south, households are to light the hearth and prepare traditional food in keeping with customary practices.

The auspicious time for commencing work, engaging in transactions, and partaking in meals falls at 12.06 p.m.

The ritual of oil anointing will take place on 15 April at 6.55 a.m. Participants are advised to wear green attire and face east, placing neem leaves on the head and kolom leaves at the feet, followed by bathing with herbal oil and water infused with neem extracts.

The auspicious time to leave for urgent duties is scheduled for 17 April at 5.38 a.m., while times for resuming work are set for 20 April at 6.27 a.m. and 6.50 a.m.

In addition, the planting of tree saplings is scheduled for 23 April at 9.01 a.m., as outlined in the Nekath Seettuwa.