The Sinhala & Tamil New Year was celebrated on a grand scale at the Ambassador’s Official Residence in Cuba on 13th April amid a large gathering of Sri Lankan students and well wishers. The festivities began with the lighting of the ceremonial oil lamp followed by beating of raban to the tune of magul bera heralding the dawn of Avurudu. Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Sarath Dissanayake spoke of the significance of the Sinhala & Tamil New Year as a multicultural gathering in which all Sri Lankans irrespective of their ethnic, religious, socio - cultural backgrounds come together as members of one family in a spirit of unity and harmony to celebrate Sri Lanka’s foremost national festival which has been passed down from generations to generations.
In keeping with Sri Lankan traditions, a pot of milk was boiled at the auspicious time to mark the preparation of New Year meals. As part of the festivities, the invitees took part in traditional games and fun activities ranging from bun eating, blowing of balloons to musical chairs and beating of drums etc. in a truly Sri Lankan setting. An important feature of the festival was the “contest for the selection of the New Year Prince and Princess” in which students clad in traditional Sri Lankan costumes took part in a parade which was the first of its kind in Cuba. At the auspicious time, the invitees partook in milk rice, traditional meals and sweets prepared by the Embassy staff. The New Year customs observed on the occasion also included presentation of gifts to winners and exchange of money. The celebrations were reminiscent of a typical New Year festival in Sri Lanka that blended perfectly with the setting, music and festive atmosphere.
All in all, the day - long New Year celebrations will be remembered by all those present as a unique opportunity to forge peace, solidarity and brotherhood with one another reflecting the true spirit of Sri Lanka's rich heritage and culture.
