"At precisely 10:51 a.m., Shiranti Rambukkana strikes a match to get a fire going under the wooden kindling on a metal pan in her living room. She throws fire starters to feed the flames, and soon a clay pot of milk resting on bricks boils over to bring on prosperity and good fortune in the New Year."
"On this day, tradition holds that there are auspicious times to perform certain rituals to bring prosperity in the new year. Those times are different each year - astrologers decide when they should be, the Ministry of Culture announces them."
"Rambukkana's table groans with sweets - from traditional fried lentil and rice flour balls smothered in sticky syrup, to shop-bought chocolate cakes. Much of the display will be plated and distributed to neighbors Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists who live up and down the streets of this working class district of Maligawatta."
Shiranti Rambukkana celebrates the New Year by lighting a fire in her living room to boil milk, symbolizing prosperity. The New Year, celebrated on April 14, marks the end of a solar year according to local astrological traditions. Rituals are performed at specific auspicious times announced by the Ministry of Culture. Rambukkana prepares a traditional coconut rice dish and a variety of sweets to share with neighbors of different faiths in her community, emphasizing the spirit of togetherness during the celebration.
Read at www.npr.org
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