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If you are planning a trip to Galle, Sri Lanka, in April, you have a great opportunity to experience the island’s traditional New Year, celebrated by both the Sinhala and Tamil communities. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect, from rituals to food and more.

New Year Rituals

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year falls on the 13th and 14th of April every year, and the celebrations are based on auspicious times. From lighting the hearth to preparing and enjoying the first meal, there are many rituals linked to this cultural festival. Staying at a villa, including at Heenatigala Walawwa, offers an ideal chance to experience the New Year in Galle, and you can check to see if there will be any activities taking place at the property itself or nearby.

Traditional Sweets and Dishes

New Year celebrations are incomplete without enjoying festive treats such as kavum, kokis, and kiribath (milk rice). If you are staying at one of the luxury villas in Galle, check to see if you can enjoy some of these food items during your stay.

Visiting a Temple for Blessings

Visiting a temple to offer prayers and seek blessings for prosperity and good fortune is another way to experience the beginning of a New Year like a local. Of course, remember to dress modestly, covering bare shoulders and legs.

Festival Games

Another interesting thing you can do to experience the New Year is to witness festival games. Organised by locals in villages, these traditional games are lots of fun; they include tug of war, bun-eating contests (with the hands of participants tied behind their backs!) and sack races, bringing people together to celebrate the dawn of the New Year.

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