The Sinhala and Tamil New Year will be celebrated on 12th and 13th of this month. Following are the auspicious times pertaining to the New Year celebrations:

Bath for the old Year: Saturday the 12th before New Year dawns with herbs mixed in water.

Dawn of the New Year: Saturday April 12th at 6.29 am.

Punya Kaalaya: Between 12.05 pm and 12.53 pm on Sunday April 13th is the time for prayer and retreat and therefore all partaking of meals and work must cease in preparation for the New Year.

Lighting of the hearth: Sunday 13th at 6.54 pm, dressed in New Year colours of red and gold the first meal.

Partaking of the first meal for the New Year: dressed in red and gold shades on Sunday April 13th at 8.10 pm.

Anointing of oil: Wednesday 16th at 7.42 am.

Auspicious time to set off for work: Wednesday 16th April, at 6.20 am.

Source: Sinhala Aluth Avurudu Committee, Ministry of Cultural Affairs