The Sri Lankan community in Jeddah and the Western Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came together in celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, marking the occasion with traditional customs, cultural performances, and a deep sense of unity.
Organized by the Sri Lanka Expatriate Society under the patronage of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah, the event brought together over 800 Sri Lankans and their families, representing diverse backgrounds and faiths. Acting Consul General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah Mafusa Lafir, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The day began with the auspicious lighting of the traditional oil lamp, followed by the boiling of milk, an emblem of prosperity and blessings for the New Year. Attendees were served with traditional avurudu delicacies. A lively raban pada performance by community members added rhythm and vibrancy to the celebrations. The event also featured appearances by popular Sri Lankan artists Priyantha Seneviratne and Piyumi Botheju, who engaged with the crowd and took part in a range of entertainment and cultural activities.
Participants enjoyed traditional Awurudu games, creating an atmosphere filled with joy, camaraderie, and friendly competition. A key highlight of this year’s festivities was the debut of the Avurudu Kumara & Kumariya contest. A community marathon, held earlier on April 18th, also contributed to the festive buildup.
The day concluded with a high-energy musical performance by the popular C7 Band of Jeddah, elevating the festive spirit. Return air tickets to Sri Lanka was awarded to the winners of Avurudu Kumara and Kumariya contest by Al Jazeera Airline, while the raffle draw winner received a ticket from Gulf Air.
The event provided Sri Lankans living far from their homeland a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with their cultural roots and relive the cherished traditions of New Year, while also strengthening the bonds within the community in Jeddah and the surrounding regions.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Jeddah
29 April 2025
