Participants engage in ancient game festivities in Colombo on the eve of Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations.
Celebrating the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in Style
Get ready to experience the vibrant affair as people in Colombo, Sri Lanka, gear up to celebrate the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year, falling on April 14 this year. Traditional games are a key element of the festivities, with numerous events taking place throughout the country. (Photo: Xinhua)
While partaking in these age-old games, you'll notice that they emphasize camaraderie and cultural heritage. Among the favorites are pillow fights, pot smashing, greased pole climbing, and swing rides, each with its own unique charm.
Swing Time! (Onchilla Paddima)Traditional wooden swings represent prosperity and can be found in homes and public spaces. Spend some quality time with family as you rock back and forth to the rhythm of folk songs and drumming.
Pillow Fights (Kotta Pora)Balancing on a wooden beam, participants use cloth-filled pillows to knock each other off. Join in on the fun as laughter and cheers fill the air, making this competition a crowd pleaser.
Pot Smashing (Kana Mutti Bindeema)A blindfolded challenge that tests coordination and luck, players use a stick to break clay pots suspended overhead. This is an entertaining spectacle for people of all ages.
Scaling the Greased Pole (Lissana Gaha Nagima)A test of strength and teamwork, climbing a tall pole greased with goodness challenges individuals or teams to reach the top and claim prizes. This highlight of village celebrations will surely impress!
Along with the games, you'll hear the rhythmic beats of Rabana drums, as communities gather to play this traditional instrument. Tourists are often invited to participate and learn the basics! These games, and their significance to Sri Lanka's agricultural history and communal bonding, add a unique flavor to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations. [1][3]
In the year 2025, travelers may partake in the traditional Swing Time! (Onchilla Paddima) during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as families and visitors rock back and forth on wooden swings. Reminiscent of a childhood game, Pillow Fights (Kotta Pora) will test one's balance, as participants attempt to knock each other off a wooden beam using cloth-filled pillows. For those seeking a challenge, Pot Smashing (Kana Mutti Bindeema) offers an entertaining spectacle, with participants blindfolded and aiming to break clay pots suspended overhead using a stick. Lastly, Scaling the Greased Pole (Lissana Gaha Nagima) remains a highlight of village celebrations, challenging individuals or teams to climb a tall, greased pole to claim prizes, showcasing the strength and teamwork of Sri Lankan communities. These cultural-travel experiences add a unique flavor to the Sri Lankan lifestyle, offering a glimpse into the country's agricultural history and communal bonding.
