Wishing everyone a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
As Sri Lankans across the country prepare to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, we extend heartfelt wishes for happiness, health, and success in the year ahead.
To help you mark the occasion in accordance with tradition, here is the New Year Auspicious Times Table – 2025, translated into English for your convenience:
New Moon ObservationTo mark the beginning of the new lunar and solar year, the new moon is to be observed on Thursday, May 1st.
Bathing for the Old YearOn Sunday, April 13th, it is customary to bathe using herbal oil mixed with juice of Dimbul leaves, while remembering the guardian deities.
Dawn of the New YearThe Sinhala New Year dawns on Monday, April 14th at 3:21 AM.
Auspicious Period (Punya Kalaya)This begins at 8:57 PM on Sunday, April 13th, and continues until 9:45 AM on Monday, April 14th. It is advised to stop all work and engage in religious observances during this time. Between 3:21 AM and 9:45 AM on April 14th, observe the traditional customs including food preparation, work commencement, and other rituals.
Cooking of MealsAt 4:04 AM on Monday, April 14th, dressed in orange and facing south, light the hearth to prepare milk rice and sweetmeats using milk and jaggery.
Commencing Work, Transactions, and Meal ConsumptionAt 6:44 AM on April 14th, dressed in white and facing south, commence work, engage in transactions, and partake of meals.
Anointing the HeadOn Wednesday, April 16th at 9:04 AM, wearing green and facing north, apply herbal oil (mixed with neem juice), place Kohomba and Kolon leaves on the head and feet, and bathe.
Leaving for Work (for Protection and Blessings)On Thursday, April 17th at 9:03 AM, dressed in gold and facing north, enjoy milk rice and sweetmeats before setting out.
Planting of TreesOn Friday, April 18th at 10:16 AM, wear multicolored attire and face east to plant trees as a symbol of new beginnings.