Monday, April 8, 2013

Sinhala and Tamil New Year

What is the significance of the koha (koel bird) during this festive season? It’s a well known fact that this mystical bird coos only once a year, during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year (the end of the harvest season).

Like many other festivals in Sri Lanka, Avurudu is governed by customary rituals that have been in practice over thousands of years. The New Year dawns at a specific time determined by astrologists. Unlike western calendars, there is a period between the conclusion of the previous year and the beginning of the next. This period is called Nonagatha (neutral period) when the sun moves from the Meena Rashiya (House of Pisces) to the Mesha Rashiya (House of Aries) in the celestial sphere. Individuals are expected to disengage from any form of work and dedicate their time to prayer and religious observance. When this period is over the New Year finally dawns with much celebration.

Following this, the festivities start with the lighting of the hearth. A pot of milk is placed over the fire as the family gathers around to watch this ritual. If the milk boils over it is a sign of prosperity for the coming year. As with all other customs during this season, every ritual has an auspicious timing and significance – even the colour of the clothing you wear. This year the auspicious colour is bronze.

Another tradition that will take place is the ‘Hisa tel Gaama’ where the elders of the family bless the younger members by saying ‘Ekasiya vissata desiya vissak Ayuboho vewa!’  Which loosely translates to may you live a long and prosperous life. Interestingly, this is the origin of the word Ayubovan, which is a popular way of greeting one another in Sri Lanka.

Milk rice (kiri bath) is the quintessential festive meal prepared to celebrate the New Year. It is an unsweetened rice pudding that is made with coconut milk and eaten with a variety of spicy condiments. It also happens to be my favourite dish of this festive season!

The New Year does not only involve the exchange of gifts, stuffing yourself to the gills with Sri Lankan delicacies, religious observance / customary rituals and visiting long lost relatives. It is also a time of reflection. Reflecting on the previous year’s achievements and obstacles as well as gearing up the year ahead.



Happy New Year!


Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Top five things to do in Colombo

 
Sure, some travelers like to stick to a routine. A planned schedule is great, as it ensures that travelers can experience all that a country has to offer in a concise and timely manner. However we also believe that an increasing number of tourists wish to experience Sri Lanka on their own terms, possibly veering off the usual run-of-the-mill sightseeing. So where does one venture off to in search of a memorable adventure? We’re going to try and help visitors out by suggesting a few activities that might help kick start this journey. Let’s start with our Capital – Colombo.


1. Fort Bazaar (Pettah) – An explosion of vibrant colours and sounds and top on the list, this bazaar is a must whilst in Colombo. The open air market is the best example of Sri Lanka’s multicultural influences. Amidst the crowded streets you will find an eclectic array of fruit sellers, toy shops, small eateries, a Hindu Kovil, a Mosque and even large stores selling household appliances. All this existing in harmony on the very same street! A walk down the buzzing streets of Pettah will expose any traveler to the authentic sights and sounds of Colombo, an experience that is sure to excite you to the core! 



2. Sunset at Mount Lavinia Beach - Whilst we realise that Mount Lavinia is situated on the outskirts of Colombo, it’s definitely worth a trip (approximately 30 minutes drive). The sandy stretch of beach is dotted with tiny beach shacks serving up some quality seafood dishes, which do not bore a whole in your pocket. Sunsets at Mount Lavinia are most dazzling! On a clear evening, the skies are set ablaze with glorious hues of pink and mauve. For those looking for a bit of romance, we suggest heading over to the famous Mount Lavinia Hotel and enjoy a cold drink whilst watching the sunset on The Terrace.



3. Eat your heart out – Sri Lankan cuisine consists of flavourful, aromatic dishes. The city of Colombo is packed with a huge variety of culinary offerings, heavily influenced by invaders from the West and India. Try out traditional rice and curry, the staple diet for a majority of Sri Lankans. There’s Lamprais, a delicious rice dish served in a banana leaf influenced by the Dutch. Also don’t miss out on other traditional specialties such as String Hoppers (a stringy noodle made out of wheat flour), Hoppers (a crispy bowl shaped pancake), Roti (flat bread) and Thosai (a savory pancake) and Biriyani (an aromatic rice dish). Bon Appetit!


4. A stroll down Galle Face Green – This is a long stretch of lawn that faces the sea. It was once the location of a Dutch Fort that was built to keep watch of the Colombo Port, however it now serves as a popular place for a late evening rendezvous or a day out with the kids. The stretch of lawn is strewn with small food carts that sell snacks throughout the day, as well as many street vendors selling bits and bobs for the kids to play with. Sunsets on Galle Face Green are also very beautiful. Don’t miss out!





5. Gangaramaya Temple – There are a large number of temples in this predominantly Buddhist country. However this temple seems to stand out amongst others, as it is rather unique. Sitting on the banks of the Beira Lake in Colombo, the temple houses a library, a museum, a meditation centre and an exotic mix of  gifts from all parts of the world. Even the design of the temple is unique, drawing inspiration from Thai, Indian and Chinese architecture. Today the temple serves as a place of worship for Buddhists but also acts as a vocational centre and an orphanage. Gangaramaya is the focus of the Navam Perahera, a colourful procession that occurs annually on the full moon (Poya) day of February.