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Significance of New Year
By Chandrani Fernando
The Sinhala and Hindu New Year dates back to the period of Shalivahana Sakha. In a predominantly agricultural era, the new year was given prominence so that people could observe the traditions pertaining to an agrarian society.
After reaping the paddy harvest in the month of Medin (March), the farmers got ready to partake of the first meal made out of new rice in the new year. Hence all the traditional ceremonies connected to it were performed on a grand scale.

The custom of looking at the moon was done two or three days prior to the New Year. At an auspicious time everybody in the village looked at the old moon. The moon was connected with the old year and this was either done on a Sunday, Monday, Thursday or Friday but never on a Wednesday or Saturday as these two days were regarded as bad days which brought misfortune and sickness.

The second tradition was to take the final bath for the old year. This was also at an auspicious time given by the astrologer of the village. Normally medicinal leaves like Banyan and Margosa etc. were used for anointing the head. Leaves like Tamarind and Karanda were used in the bath. The juice of these leaves was extracted and used for this purpose. The decoction was prepared by the native physician of the village.

Looking in an auspicious direction, the final bath for the new year was taken using the herbal juice and oil for the head and feet.

Punya Kaalaya
This was the period to engage in religious observances. As there was no auspicious time -the astrologers named it "Nonagathaya”. One did not participate in work connected to agriculture, studies, household work etc and food and drink were not taken during this period. The well in the compound was closed, after storing enough water for any emergency. The hearth was not kindled.For a moment it was as if the whole cycle of activities stood still. Though one did not see the transition of the Sun from Pisces to Aries, it actually took place during the nonagathaya.

Once the transition was over, the housewife went to the well with her new earthenware pot and put a small pack containing corriander, turmeric, etc., into the well before drawing water.

Using a new earthenware straining bowl she put the new rice into it and strained it using the new water she had brought. The rice was cooked in a new pot.

Before lighting the hearth at the auspicious time, the traditional brass oil lamp was lit by the housewife. Then only would she light the hearth looking in the auspicious direction. She prepared milk rice and Hath-Maaluwa (comprising seven vegetables) which had a medicinal value.

The next custom was to partake of the meal at the auspicious time. After the meal the children worshipped their parents offering sheaves of betel leaves. The householder first gave money to his wife and then to the children. This was the first transaction of money for everybody at home.

The householder who had a vegetable plot in his garden did some agricultural activity; either planting a plant or watering the garden while the housewife did a bit of needle-work and the children studied.

The new year visits started after all these traditional activities with visits being made to parents and elderly relatives. The young people had to visit the elderly first.

After the New Year again on an auspicious night one had to look at the new moon. After anointing with oil, herbal juice and decoction, the first bath for the New Year was taken.

Finally the farmers went to the paddy fields, traders to their boutiques etc to start work on an auspicious day. This is the 1928th year of King Shalivahana Sakha. The customs and traditions date back to this time.

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