Aluth Avurudhu is the traditional New Year celebration in Sri Lanka, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new year in the Sinhala and Tamil calendars. It usually falls in mid-April and is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and cultural rituals. During Aluth Avurudhu, people engage in various customs such as preparing special foods, exchanging gifts, and participating in traditional games. The festival also includes the lighting of the hearth, symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings, as well as the observance of auspicious times for various activities.