The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, known as Aluth Avurudu, is a major cultural celebration in Sri Lanka held in mid-April. It marks the end of the harvest season and the start of a new year according to the Sinhala and Tamil calendars. With deep roots in Buddhist and Hindu traditions, the festival brings together Sri Lankans of all ethnicities. Customs like lighting oil lamps, boiling milk, preparing sweetmeats, and playing traditional games make this celebration a colorful and unifying event.