by Anura Guruge
on April 12, 2023
Yes, Friday, April 14, 2023 is the ‘Sinhala New Year‘.
Yes, though the final timing is determined by astrologers, it typically falls on or around April 14 of each.
But, we also have the tradition of marking the day ahead of it as our ‘OLD New Year’. Actually makes sense. A day to put the OLD year behind you & get ready, both physically & emotionally for the coming NEW Year — the next day. Many, especially those that don’t bother doing so daily, will take a good bath on the Old New Year day to wash away the old year.
We marked it more than most because it was my maternal grandmother’s birthday. She was the all-powerful matriarch of the family — & she had quite the family. So, our festivities definitely started on the 13th & carried on, unabated, to the next day. We used to be good at having fun.
Well, Happy OLD New Year.
Enjoy.
