| Described by many including its tourist entity as a | | | | vacation packages. |
| “land like no other”, Sri Lanka never fails to | | | | Fire crackers can be heard throughout the island at |
| captivate the world with its rich culture, sandy beaches | | | | times in a celebratory tone while also marking the |
| and fun-loving populace. A veritable paradise for such | | | | various auspicious periods. Decked in their New Year |
| a compact isle, Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity despite | | | | best, Sri Lankan families all gather at the table to enjoy |
| popular belief, is its strength, as a plethora of vibrant | | | | a traditional meal whose mouthwatering taste is looked |
| cultural festivals demonstrate with each passing year. | | | | forward to with unmatched fervor. The coconut oil and |
| But no single event is looked forward to by the | | | | rice flour based sweets are only rivaled by the milk |
| entirety of its population more than the Sinhala and | | | | rice which takes center stage in all local celebrations. |
| Tamil New Year celebration. | | | | Neighbors and families exchange plates stacked high in |
| Falling on the second week of April, the New Year | | | | these scrumptious goodies in an act of friendship, |
| festival has its origins in agriculture and harvesting new | | | | goodwill and camaraderie. The budget hotel booking |
| crop in a cultural equivalent to the festivals such as | | | | definitely attract you in this country. |
| Bengali New Year, Thai New Year, and Sankranthi | | | | Those who are fortunate to be in the island during his |
| celebrations in neighboring India. Sri Lankans believe | | | | festive period can also witness the various games and |
| that the New Year occurs when the sun moves from | | | | carnival style gatherings held especially for the New |
| the house of Pisces to that of Aries in a phenomenon | | | | Year. Popular games during the season include |
| that takes several hours. This period is known as a | | | | blindfolded pillow fights, climbing the slippery tree, |
| neutral time in which locals engage in religious activities | | | | coconut leave weaving competitions, coconut grating |
| to bring in the on-coming year. Lots of leading As the | | | | contests, New Year Prince and Princess Beauty |
| New Year is also the time in which the sun orbits | | | | pageants, tug-of-war and other activities which all |
| directly above the island nation, strict astrological times | | | | takes place amidst the rhythmic beating of the raban |
| are observed when lighting the hearth for the first time | | | | (traditional Sri Lankan drum) by women. |
| in the New Year to prepare the auspicious milk rice. | | | | Those who wish to take part in the annual festivities |
| Sweet meats including oil cakes, kokis, aluva, athi raha, | | | | should visit the online travel site Truly Sri Lanka. Listing |
| mung kevum, aasmi and other delectable treats are | | | | the very best in Sri Lanka travel destinations across |
| placed on the table for all to enjoy when the clock | | | | the island, it offers valuable information on how to plan |
| strikes that hallowed hour. So don't miss this event. | | | | a perfect Sri Lanka holiday you won’t forget. |
| Lots of travel organizations are providing cheap | | | | |