What Does Avurudu/Puththandu Signify for Gen Y & Z 

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is upon us, the time of family togetherness, the tantalizing aroma of the fragrant sweets, the games - and the necessary evil - New Year sales; the celebrations made up of a complex melange that includes facets of indigenous, Sinhala, Hindu and astrology-based traditions. 

Generation Y and Z grew up with computers and touchscreens, in that particular order. They're used to a life where everything is - quite literally - at the tips of their fingers. Thanks to the level of accessibility to world - so to speak - their sense of culture is sometimes intertwined with multiculturalism. But have the changing times lead to a change in traditions? Of their view of the significance of Avurudu and Puththandu? So we asked them, “What does Avurudu/Puththandu mean to you?” 

Here's what they had to say: 

Dharshan Ganesh 

Puththandu is something that signifies that things are going to change - that is, wishing for people to have a great life from now by forgetting all the things that happened in the past... It’s also where people share their feelings with their relatives by sharing sweets. 

Chavika Samarasinghe 

What it has always meant; a time for family, community and a celebration of Sri Lanka's multicultural society. Actually, the way I see it, it has little to do with Buddhism. This misconception that Avurudu is a Buddhist festival is actually a problem the way I see it. It actually very neutral on the religion front. But I'm pretty sure extremists from different racial and religious factions have a different view of the situation. 

Kaushal Satheamoorthey 

What is Avurudu for me? Well Avurudu is that time of the year we end up going on our family rounds, visit relatives and close friends. It's also that time of the year we end up doing something cultural. We aren't that into customs and traditions, but on Avurudu it's different. 

Chamithrie Wijayasena 

Avurudu has always been a great time for family fun, laughter and lots of kavili. Some of my fondest childhood memories are around Avurudu time. My parents always followed Avurudu traditions carefully and taught me the value of preserving those traditions for the future generations. I was home for Avurudu last year after 6 years and it felt amazing to celebrate with family, like the good old times. I'm sad that I won't be home this year, but I will be sure to make some kiribath in Michigan at the auspicious time. Suba Aluth Avuruddhak to everyone! 

Pavithra Dayalan 

For me Avurudu is a symbol of new beginnings. It’s an opportunity to start new with the support of family and loved ones. But I feel that the new generation lacks knowledge on the traditions and customs of Avurudu. This is maybe because of globalisation and in the process, our culture is being pushed to the back. 

Eranga Fonseka 

As a follower of Buddhist philosophy, Avurudu means nothing at all. But if I was a follower of the religion, I guess I am inclined to whatever notion that the monks put on it. Technically, Avurudu shouldn't have anything to do with Buddhism and Buddhism should not have anything to do with Avurudu. All it is to me is obligations. What you are supposed to do, what is expected from you and things you have to do to not be frowned upon. 

Chalana Wijesuriya 

Well Avurudu for us means getting together as a family and attending to the traditions together and spending time with each other mainly. We've always done the traditions together. 

By Rihaab Mowlana