The official dawn of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year will occur at 9:32 AM on Tuesday, April 14, marking the transition from Meena Rashiya to Mesha Rashiya — the astrological new year in the Hindu-Buddhist calendar tradition.
Key auspicious times
The Punya Kaalaya — the sacred period spanning the transition — begins at 3:08 AM and concludes at 3:56 PM on April 14. Within this window, the traditional rituals follow a set sequence:
- Hearth lighting (Ahi Puji): 10:51 AM
- First meal and transactions: 12:06 PM — the auspicious time for commencing work, engaging in transactions, and partaking in the first meal of the New Year
Tradition advises wearing red and facing south during the auspicious observances.
Safety reminders
Health authorities have issued guidelines for Avurudu games, while the islandwide security deployment by tri-forces remains active through the holiday period. The liquor sales ban is in effect on April 13 and 14.
Millions of Sri Lankans will observe the New Year amid an ongoing fuel conservation drive and elevated food costs that have made this year’s Kevili table the most expensive in recent memory.
