Avurudu is the traditional New Year celebration in Sri Lanka, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new year according to the solar calendar. It usually falls in mid-April and is a time for family gatherings, festive meals, and various cultural rituals. During Avurudu, people engage in activities such as preparing special foods, playing traditional games, and exchanging gifts. The celebration also includes the lighting of the Avurudu fire, symbolizing the start of a new year, and the observance of auspicious times for various activities, such as starting new ventures or visiting relatives.