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Seasonal buzz and woes hit Nuwara Eliya
View(s):The annual Vasantha Udanaya in Nuwara Eliya which began last week will continue throughout the month in keeping with the seasonal traditions of the district.
Lake Gregory all-aglow for the season
The private sector while promoting their products via banners and other advertising means are also actively involved in awareness campaigns against the use of plastic and other environmental hazards.
However, residents and tourists alike complain that Nuwara Eliya town lacks infrastructure facilities to conduct festivals of this nature during the Avurudu season with many people heading to cooler climes for the holidays.
Traffic congestion is one of the main problems with vehicles sometimes being stuck in one spot for three to four hours.
With the additional crowds, piling up garbage also has become a potential health hazard in recent years.
Residents also complain that the price of commodities rise sharply during the season.
The tradition of turning Nuwara Eliya into a holiday venue in April began during the rule of the British who made it an occassion to celebrate spring time in this hill country. Nuwara Eliya came to be known as Little England. The British created a holiday system, which is followed to-date, based on the weather patterns of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. The schoolholidays followed accordingly.
In April the British would indulge in recreational activities such as fishing, mountaineering, boating, hunting, racing, Tennis and golf.
With the passage of time long after the British left, although some activities such as hunting no longer exist, the tradition still continues during the April season with fashion parades, horticulture and dog shows and musical gala events becoming part and parcel of the seasonal celebrations in Nuwara Eliya.
Pix and text by Shelton Hettiarachachi
The season for blooms
Water sports activities on Lake Gregory
Childrens' activities in Nuwara Eliya park
All roads lead to Nuwara Eliya during the April season