Aluth Avurudda, also known as the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, is a traditional festival celebrated in Sri Lanka. It marks the beginning of the new year according to the solar calendar, usually falling in mid-April. The festival is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and various cultural rituals that symbolize renewal and prosperity. During Aluth Avurudda, people engage in customs such as preparing special foods, cleaning their homes, and participating in traditional games. The celebration includes the lighting of the hearth, the first meal of the new year, and the exchange of gifts, fostering a sense of community and togetherness among families and friends.