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Do we have time for 'avurudu' customs?
By D.C. Ranatunga
As a young boy every year I was invited by my aunt next door to join them in the first meal for the 'aluth avurudda'. Immediately after the formalities were over at home, I would move over and enjoy 'kiribath' and 'kevum' next door. I never asked her why she invited me every year. Possibly she believed the first meal for the 'aluth avurudda' should be shared with someone close to the family. She obviously wanted to avoid any 'undesirables' turning up as first visitors for the 'avurudda' and having to entertain them.

Many are the beliefs, customs, traditions and values connected with 'aluth avurudda'. Being in the village, we followed the 'avurudu charithra' and enjoyed the proceedings very much.

Things have changed today. Though most of the customs are still being observed, they are gradually dying with most people considering them archaic and meaningless.

Take the 'nonagathe' as an example. That is the period just before the dawn of the 'avurudda' when everyone is expected to down their tools, stop preparing any food in the house and not partake of any food. We were not allowed to read and write, only to play.

Today, people ask whether 'nonagathe' can be observed in the present context when everyone has a busy schedule. Others argue that it happens just once a year and that too at a time when everyone is relaxing in holiday mood. What good does it bring by observing 'nonagathe' or for that matter, any of the new year customs, others counter argue.

'Nonagathe' - the period when there are no auspicious times - is also the time for religious observances. The family would go to temple, make offerings and pay obeisance to the monks.

Customs and traditions build up over the years. The 'avurudu' customs have grown over time and many believe that doing certain things at auspicious times is good. Even outside 'avurudu' time, most buyers of new vehicles would do the first trip to Kataragama. Others may go to the nearby temple. Yet others may just bring the vehicle home. It's one's belief or faith. It's the belief that if the auspicious times are followed on 'avurudu' day that the whole year would be good for you. "Rubbish," some are bound to say.

Whatever merits and demerits there may be in observing 'avurudu' customs, there are certain inherent values in them. How elders are treated on 'avurudu' day sets an example to the younger generation that they should treat their parents, sisters and brothers as well as close relations respectfully. Offering a sheaf of betel, going down on your knees, worshipping the parents and touching their feet are acts of love, affection and reverence. It's a simple way of conveying one's gratitude for all that the parents have done for you.
It also provides you with an ideal opportunity to seek their pardon for any wrongdoing during the year. After 'avurudu', all that will be forgotten and a new chapter begins in the new year. This applies not only to parents but also to elders.

Of course, there is a bonus for the young ones who will be rewarded by way of a cash gift in addition to new clothes - the traditional 'avurudu' gift - every time they offer betel to their elders.

The custom of offering betel and worshipping the elders applies to the elders themselves. Starting with the wife seeking pardon from the husband for any shortcomings particularly in the household, married children, brothers and sisters offer betel to one another according to their age.

The practice of sitting together for the first meal is a symbol of family unity and togetherness particularly in an age when everyone rushes around attending to their own work. At least the 'avurudu' brings the family together even if it's for a brief moment. In most families, even the married children would prefer to meet at the parents’ home (it's usually at the husband's parents' home) for the first meal and enjoy the reunion. Often the second meal would be at the wife's parents’ home.

The exchange of the 'avurudu kevili' amongst neighbours is a common sight both in the urban and rural areas. It's again a sign of friendship and camaraderie. 'Avurudu' is also a time to forgive and forget with 'ganu denu' providing the ideal opportunity.

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