The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, also known as Aluth Avurudda in Sinhala and Puthandu in Tamil, is a significant cultural 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, traditional rituals, and various cultural activities, including cooking special foods and engaging in games. During the celebrations, people clean their homes and prepare for the new year by performing rituals to bring good fortune. The festival also includes the lighting of the oil lamp, exchanging of gifts, and visiting relatives. It is a joyful occasion that emphasizes unity and cultural heritage among the Sinhala and Tamil communities.