Hari, hari

Hari, hari easy way to express yourself…

 

Asian and European cultures are different not only in the cultures, but also in expressing yourself during conversation. Therefore international language – English- has its varieties in Asian society as well. This “Senglish” expressions will give the exact picture of Asian culture and Mentality. I will try to give bright examples of Sri Lankan society, as I am much more familiar with this country…

You will find during conversation with Sri Lankans two aspects:

• “What to do” mentality
• Hari, Hari + head shaking as a word of confrmation…

 

Have you ever heard “what to do” in your life?  No? which means you know the appropriate BBC English and your vocabulary doesn’t have any of “rubbish” words…

What to do expression is common in Sri Lanka and has been used frequently by almost every citizen of this country that has any idea of Engish… This set phrase has been used in situation like there is nothing else to do or we have admit that this is the only one way, or one cannot find any words to comment the situation… You can say “what to do” and do not worry about anything afterwards. What to do saves you from explanation, “it was supposed like this” you wanted to express… But this collocation is not only what we are trying to express in the  pointless situation, it has also cultural connotation. What to n our do explains perfectly Sri Lanka mentality. It is mentality of accepting most of the natural things that are guiding in our life, Stephen Covey would call them lighthouses that govern  our life. Sri Lankans easily accept everything what is happening around, this also explains sometimes more spontaneity of these people as well as enjoyment  of the surroundings…. “What to do” in other words means “ I accept, I don’t want to fight, I don’t want to argue, I admit what happened and cannot help anyhow, it was supposed to be like this etc/”

What to do derives also from the way of thinking of islanders.. helpful in soothing the nervous atmosphere as well as shows “can not do anything” attitude. So after  t go as you heard it, please accept the situation and find another to solve it or just let it go as it is…

It says  “nothing  to worry take it as it is”

 

As a traveler who stopped in Sri Lanka or person who lived there for a while, you would probable hear a lot “hari, hari” with specific head shaking while expressing it. It can really be confusing for the first time. If you are from Europe (not Bulgaria), head shaking from one shoulder to the other (not nodding) means “no” or something more like that you disagree with the speaker. Unfortunately you are not any more on the “old continent” and you have to admit that this gesture means rather something different. Hari, Hari says “yes, yes I will do it for you” means “ wait I am processing, I will give my final decision later” or it also can mean “ I don’t understand you” à in  this  case you always have to look at the face expression, if you see big scared eyes, that means “there is no clicking system, whatever you are saying in this understandable English”

 

-          hari, hari the trick of avoiding saying yes

-          gives time to think more about particular matter colloquially called “processing”

-          nice way of being an “active” listener

 

If you are planning to go to Sri Lanka, do not be afraid if the body language will be not understandable for you.  It takes time to understand the real meaning of such “cultural expressions”. Good luck in the island!

My Beautiful Island

I will miss Sri Lanka

I totally agree with Tomi my friend from Finland... He said: "Having gone through this experience I don´t take anything for granted anymore. I forbid myself of seeing just one side of the coin, of judging that there´s only one way of doing things, living, making decisions and co-existing with the rest of the world. Maybe it is increased tolerance or maybe it is that I´m now more ready to see and explore other ways of leading one´s life"

What exactly will I miss?

Sounds of life: It´s not just tuk-tuks, music, prayers and tooting horns but also the sounds of nature. In Sri Lanka you feel as part of nature. It surrounds you. You are part of it. And every living creature around you is your fellow citizen, not just the human beings.

Being recognized: As awkward it might have been in the beginning, I will miss the fact that complete strangers greet you on the street. And for them you are “Madame”. New people that you meet are genuinely interested of where you´re coming from, how is your country and how do you like their country. For them you are someone interesting, someone different, someone.

Diversity of nature: The parrots, crabs, slugs, spiders, stray dogs and the huge flying foxes (enormous bats) are just a fraction of the nature. You observe the trees and without turning your head you see ten different ones. Within just a couple of hundred km radius you shift from city to hill country to a paradise beach. It´s all there - all you need - compact on one small island.

The beach life: You jump into a bus and in three-four hours you are in paradise (namely Mirissa beach). So far you´ve spent 50 cents. You spend your weekend there among coconut trees, crystal-clear ocean water, fine-grain yellow sand, and absolutely no one bothering you. You eat and drink well for the whole weekend and still end up spending just about 20-30 euros. It´s affordable, no? And the best thing is that it seems like made for you. Just a handful of tourists lingers on and on the low-season it´s just you and your friends.

Solitude among chaos: The weirdest thing is that though in the city (Colombo) the hazzle is omnipresent – except after nine in the evening – you somehow find a lot of time for reflection. You can walz among the chaos and still feel that it´s just you with your own thoughts.

Anti-materialism: Except for my laptop (that enables me to create text, sounds and images) I managed to rid myself of nearly all materialism. Going around in far-from-perfect clothes was ok. And the so called necessities like fridge, TV or an oven became distant luxury.

Tuk-tuks: No matter how much hazzle you have to go through to bargain a reasonable price or how annoying it is that 50 drivers bug you on your Sunday walk, the tuk-tuks – or three-wheelers – are a very convenient means of transport. They are everywhere, anytime! You just hop in and they take you to your destination saving you the trouble of walking or using a crowded bus.

My extended family: Mareena's and Anura's home.. That were two families where I felt like home. With all hispitability and comfort of being with people whom you love and who love you...

Time freedom: Being the master of your own time and not feeling any external pressure to hurry is such a good state of being.

Food: Though you quickly get fed up – no pun intended – of rice and curry when you have it every day that will be something I will miss. So elegantly mixed tastes of different curries and sambols mixing and matching with the plain rice… and the best thing is that you could use your fingers for eating! Also the seafood, deviled dishes, kotthu, wade etc will always remain in my memories… and hopefully again on my plate one day.

Sun: It seems that I´m physically made for a place with an everlasting sun shine and warmth. I feel better, I look better, and my friggin´ skin is not dry!

As per my previous experience people don´t seem to care where I have been or what has happened. What they do care – and that is more important – is that I´m back with them. Still, I would like to share this extraordinary experience with others. If you are reading this it means I´ve managed to do it.

Powrot do domu...

Kiedy opuszczalam z wielkim bolem moja piekna wyspe, pomyslalam, ze jeszcze pewnie tam wroce... Zreszta moj wyjazd tez nie byl przyjmowany przez moich przyjaciol na serio. Mowili:” musisz tu wrocic, przeciez wrocisz, nieprawdaz?” Ja na natomiast wyjezdzalam z misja przyniesc do Polski troche slonca... „You have a gift, you have a magic and you need to bring this magic to Poland” – mowil moj mentor i przyjaciel Anura…

Moje pierwsze dni w Polsce... rodzice i moj dom rodzinny – stesknilam sie ... ale nie wszystko bylo az tak kolorowo... Na poczatku strasznie marzlam, chodzilam z koldra po domu, spogladajc z nadzieja na niebo i proszac choc o odrobinke slonca... Spotkanie z przyjaciolmi w Warszawie dodalo mi troche energii, ale tez uswiadomilam sobie, ze znow wracam do realiow... Proza zycia i myslenie o jutrzejszym dniu, planowanie co do godziny i powrocenie do kalendarza...

Fajnie bylo tez sie spotkac z przyjaciolmi z mojego zespolu, ktorzy mi przypomnieli moj poprzedni rok („bylas cieniem, a nie Swieta” – mowili)... Tak uspokoilam sie, nie chce juz gnac nie wiadomo za czym, chce robic to co najlepiej potrafie... chce byc szczesliwa i spelniona... Nauczylam sie cieszyc nawet najmniejszymi rzeczami, nauczylam sie spokoju i medytacji...

Pozostawiam na Sri Lance mala czastke mojego zycia, a takze polowe mojego serca...

Moj przyjaciel powiedzial mi po naszym spotkaniu w Pradze, ze „ wracaj juz z tej Sri Lanki” – nikt nie mowil, ze reingracja jest latwa...

Nawet nie chce podsumowywac mojego pobytu, bo to nie jest koniec mojej przygody - wszystko co wydaje sie koncem, moze tez stac sie poczatkiem...

Jezeli bym musiala wybierac jeszcze raz, wybralam tak samo...

Polecam wyjazd do Azji, wyjazd na praktyke za granica i zdobycia doswiadczenia miedzynarodowego... .

Jeszcze co jakis czas bede dodawac jakies informacje na ten blog.., ale to juz dla zainteresowanych...

P.s w moim albumie pojawily sie nowe zdjecia z Hill Country, a takze z hinduskiego wesela, ktore sie odbylo w Bangalore...

Nothing like Sri Lanka

You Know you are Sri Lankan when....
1) You use banana leaves instead of plates, to eat rice and curry
2) Your parents mark any special occasion by boiling milk until it spills all over your stove..
3) You get it on to baila music.
4) You know Buddhist chants, Hindu chants and the Islamic call to prayer..by heart
5) Your idea of a bathing suit is a conspicuous see-thru sarong around your chest.
6) You find apples and oranges to be precious commodities while durian and rambutang are part of your daily diet.
7) You refer to friends by calling them "Machan" instead of "dude"
8) You have encountered; been pursued; or bitten by a snake.
9) Catching malaria is like catching a cold.
10) You learned how to spell your last name by singing it to the tune of the ABC song
11) You haggle at the dollar store cuz' you know that chocolate bar just cost you a 100 rupees. 12) You eat string hoppers ,coconut milk and a three- course curry meal for breakfast
13) When Arrack is better then any French champagne
14) You have mastered the art of squatting
15) You use Siddahelpe, gripe water and Panadol to solve your medical problems
16) You rock a pimped out three whealer when you drive down main street to check out the hoes.
17) You ride an elephant to school.
18) You tell your parents you got 98%, and they ask you what happened to the other two percent.
19) You have a Singer sewing machine at home.
20) You call an older person you've never met before uncle or "aunty"
21) Your relatives alone could populate a small city.
22) .EVERYONE is a family friend.
23) You went to a university as far away from home as possible and you still came back home to live with your parents after you finish.
24) You use Kist or Maggi chilli sauce instead of tomato ketchup.
25) You parents always say "on the light" instead of "turn the light on
26) When "Aney".. or "Aiiyooo" or "Alllaaahhh" is a standard word in everyday conversation
27) You're walking out of customs with your trolley at the airport and you see all twenty-five members of your family who have come to pick you up.
28) You go back to your parents' country and people treat you like a member of the royal family
29) You are ALWAYS taking off and putting on your shoes wherever you go
30) Your parents drink 3 cups of tea a day
31) When the car allows 7 people yet you seem to fit 20 in there!!
32) Your parents compare you to all of their friends' kids.
33) When cursing the Government is the highlight of every dinner conversation
34) No one ever seems to call ahead of time to say they are coming over for a visit.
35) Your parents worry what other people will think if you're not going to be a doctor/engineer.
36) Your parents worry what other people will think when your seen out in public with boys or if your "carrying on with someone"
37) .Your parents worry what other people will say about you having a girlfriend/boyfriend or better yet "an affair"
38) At a function or party your parents say that their leaving, but often take another hour saying goodbye at the door.
39) You find overlapping last names in the display area for this Groups' members. (if you dont see this, refresh your page. it'll happen eventually)
40) .When u tell people that you are from Sri Lanka and they say "oh the country that got hit by the tsunami" (apparently the tsunami finally put us on the map!)
41) Whenever something sad happens to anyone or any animal for that matter you automatically say "aney pouuuuuu..."
42) When your parents talk shit about your American friends in Sinhalese/Tamil while standing right next to them
43) When something gross happens or talking about anything thats disgusting,bad,etc. you say "Chi Chi Chi...".
44) When you see guys in Nugegoda walkin comfortably on the street holding hands and wearing flourescent shirts and yellow BATA slip-ons..And hey! no one looks at them twice!!
45) When u see middle aged guys with the dogiest mustaches and a head full of puffy toupee-like hair.
46) You drink tea after every occasion
47) You walk in to a Sri Lankan party with one pair of shoes and walk out with different pairs that don't even match.
48) You salt and pepper your mangoes, and every other fruit you eat
49) You have a Sri Lankan driving license which does not have a date of birth printed on it!
50) When you tell people you`re NOT from India, and that you`re from Sri Lanka, they say "ohh okay," but really, they think its all the same thing.
51) You look for that plastic bowl after taking a dump...cuz' wiping it is just not good enough!
52) You go to a restaurant and ask for Fanta, Portello or a chocolate SMAK instead of a Pepsi
53) When on your 18th birthday, you find out that you are pre- arranged to marry a person that you have never seen or heard-of before.
54) When your 17-year old third-cousin's wedding reception is bigger and more grand then the Kandy Perahara.
55) When the differences in skin complexion within your family can only be compared to a color wheel.
56) Your parents smuggle tea, juggery and every possible spice into the country when they return home from a visit to Sri Lanka. At the customs office, they would check off "NO" for the question regarding "food, exotic plants, hazardous chemicals or firearms".
57) Your parents leave folded plastic bags from expensive stores under their mattress so that they can be reused to make ghetto presents look really expensive.
58) Your Parents aren't afraid to chase you down the street and slap you if you talk back...
59) You cover tv remotes with plastic wrap to the point where u cant even see the buttons
60) You often went to school looking like a brown mime because your mom smothered your face with talcum powder.
61) When you were a child, your parents randomly dressed you up for the sole purpose of taking pictures.
62) You see middle aged Sri Lankan women on the bus with frizzy hair, magenta lipstick and faces that have been liberally smothered with "Fair and Lovely".
63) You grew up on Marmite and Glucose powder...and often faked a stomach ache so that you could drink Gripe water.
64) You know that Cheetos aint got nothin' on Tipi Tips..
65) Your parents describe every foreign exotic place in the world as either "down-south" or "up-country"
66) When you visit your Sri Lankan aunties, they always serve you a plate of lemon puffs and Tang before anything else.
67) When in Sri Lanka, you find 9 wedding halls on one street while a library is often non-existant.
68) Your Parents' idea of a day off is sitting through loooooooong sermons in temples, churches or mosques
69) When you'd "tap that Toddy" just to get that nice taste.
70) When every Lankan girl that you meet is the daughter of the auntie whose grandfather is the cousin of the father of your uncle who is the brother of your dad!
71) When your parents INSIST on carrying an emergency stash of mosquito coils in their first aid kit!
72) When you've had chili smothered in your mouth because you talked back to your parents. : 73) When to your parents call Scotch tape a 'sello tape', b) Washing Powder is 'Rinso' c) toothpaste is 'signal'd) soap is "lux or rexona'e) MSG's are "Aji-no-moto'f) and binoculars are "binaCLOSE'g) any cellphone is reffered to as 'Cell Tell"
74)When you know that "NO" actually means "YES" in Sri Lankan English...NO?
75)When you know that there are people in Sri Lanka who could probably out-bobble a bobble-head!
76)If you think Sigiriya Rock should be the eighth wonder of the world.
77)When you know the words to the very annoying 'Surangani' and "Ojaye, Ojaye" songs...(NOTE: and now that you have been reminded, these songs automatically start playing in your head)
78)You know exactly what your mother means when she holds up a bata slipper and says " I shall give you one, nicely"...
79)When your parents say you can be anything in life...but really mean you either have the choice of being an engineer, doctor, lawyer or marrying somebody who is an engineer, doctor or lawyer.
80) When despite the fact that you have eaten a full three course meal prior to visiting your "auntie", refusing to eat another three course meal in the same evening may result in dire consequences.
81) You often see trucks or three wheelers with either people's names or things like like "Sudhu Kella" or "Sinna Kutti" plastered on the back.
82) You get invited to dinner at an "uncles" house for 7:00pm; You get there at 8:30 and dinner is served at 11:58 pm; The arrack induced fathers start singing at 1:00 am while the mothers start making idle chit chat about the "old days in Sri Lanka"...By 3:00am your "auntie" forces you to drink coffee so that you can get a good nights sleep when you get home at 6:00 AM.
83) When you've spend at least one afternoon wrapping your school textbooks with "brown paper" so that they don't get damaged!
84) When you walk into a crowded room and EVERYONE looks up and just STARES at you for no apparent reason. Along with head bobbing, it is a custom to stare!!!!!!
85) When you know that Odel's is the best place to do an entire decade worth of shopping!
86) When a game of carrom is used to settle minor disputes.
87) When you know that Thambili is not only a fruit, but a color, a cure for diarrhea and a way to solve hangover-related issues!
88) When you see aunties/uncles you haven't seen in a long time they give you the Sri Lankan "sniff kiss" where by: a.They bring their cheek up to your cheek b. The sniffc. Switch cheeks and repeat.
89) When your version of cookies and milk equals to"Marie biscuits" and Pure Ceylon Tea.
90) When your mother doesn't want you going outside at noon because she thinks "you'll get dark".
91) When you know that "short eats" are nothing short of delicious, fattening and extremely addictive...
92) When "roast paan" is always chosen over "naan bread".
93) Your mother makes about a billion different dishes consisting only of coconuts and chilli powder.
94) When everything is dipped in "plain tea" or eaten with coconut sambol
95) When finding large chunks of juggry in your "tala guli" is always a welcome surprise.
96) When everyday is LITERALLY a national holiday… and your parents have carried that notion to their new country.
97) When a faint trail of vomit off the side of a window would always remind you of a public bus ride in the hill country.
98) Your parents secretly worship the Gypsies.
99) Wherever you go your parents will point out to a random person and say "he/she looks like (someone we know)"
100) "Bombai Mutai" is better than any cotton candy.
101) When you know that "Days of Our Lives" has nothin' on "KOPEE KADE!!!"
102) When the only thing on your mind after partying all night is a Pillawoos Kottu!

Favorite

I have my favorite beach (Mirrisa with Parrot Rock)

I have my favorite guest houses (Unawatuna Bay Hotel, Girigala village )

I have my favorite beach restaurant with small lanterns (BuBa) and the best “The Cheers Challenge”

I have my favorite tuc tuc driver (Ranga)

I have my favorite juice shop (AMV) with amabarella juice or banana with dates

I have my favorite rotti place with old lady, who always gives me discount on rice and curry

I have my favorite shopping mall with fancy garments produced in Sri Lanka (Mondy)

I have my favorite friend and mentor (dr Anura you help me to “experience the experience”)

I have my favorite HR team in Unilever Sri Lanka that gives me the opportunity to implement my ideas. (I believe I can fly)

I have my favorite room in my house with my own bathroom (nothing just relax!)

I have my favorite guy (Asanka “the chairman”)

I have my favorite meditation spot which helps me to switch off from hectic life and see in ordinary – extraordinary.

I have my favorite mates (Tomi, Toby, Kaushik and Filip)

I have a lot of things and people which influenced (influencing) me a lot and thanks to that I am enjoying my stay here and I am exposed to the new knowledge about this part of world.

People are said I am lucky --> Yes, I am… I conquer…

Zatancz ze mna...

Taniec – Przy kazdym dzwieku tego slowa, na mojej twarzy pojawia sie usmech...Odkad pamietam zawsze tanczylam, na poczatku lambade jako 6 latka, pozniej w zespole tanca wspolczesnego i od siedmiu lat polski taniec narowody. Jakkolwiek bym nie probowala od niego uciec, skupic sie na czyms innym, on zawsze pozostanie wazna czescia mojego zycia – moja pasja. Otoz przyjechalam na ta wyspe z mysla, ze naucze sie czegos nowego. Lankijczycy maja obsesje na punkcie tanca latynoamarekanskiego – salsa, rumba, jaf, samba – ciesza sie wileka populranoscia. Najwyzsza pozycje jednak zajmuje salsa. Jeden z moich przyjaciol namowil mnie abym sie zapisala i sprobowala nieco rytmow brazylijkich...

Poczynajac od pierwszej lekcji, moja milosc do tanca znowu sie narodzila (zreszta ona nigdy nie wygasla) – krok, obroty i w tle muzyka goracych rytmow.

Szybko sie przenioslam na poziom zaawansowany, abym moc uczestniczyc w warsztatach prowadzonych przez profesjonalnych tancerzy z Dubaju czy Sydney.

Poza najbardziej popularnymi tancami istnieje jeden z najstarszych na swiecie - taniec kandyjski... O wyspianskim tancu tradycyjnym, nieco szerzej nieco nizej...

Jak twierdzi dr Neddermeyer: „Taniec koi i leczy”. Jezeli zdarzylo sie wam obserwowac jak tancza dzieci, to na pewno zauwazyliscie, ze tancza oni tak jak plynie muzyka, nie ograniczajac zadnych ruchow...

Niewiele osob zachowalo naturalne zdolnosci spontanicznego tanca. Wiele doroslych zaprzestalo tanczyc ze soba, bo albo my mamy kompleksy zwiazane z ruchem „naszych bioder” albo”wiek nam nie pozwala” lub narzekamy, ze nie mamy zdolnosci artystycznych i taniec nie jest naszym prymem. Jakakolwiek by nie byla wymowka, mozesz zapomniec o swoim strachu i kompleksach... Odkryj na nowo kojaca przyjemnosc poruszania ciala wraz z muzyka, pojedynczo lub w grupie”.

Historia tanca jest tak bogata i dluga jak istnienie i zapoczatkowanie ludzkosci. Mozemy tylko wysuwac domysly jak taniec wygladal w kazdej epoce.

Najstarszy manuskrypt, upomina taniec Natya Shastra – jest to interpretacja klasycznego tanca hiduskiego.

Starozytne kroniki czesto tez wspominaja o sinhalezyjskim tancu krola Vijaya (573 p.n.e), ktory oddawal sie rytmom muzyki podczas kazdego wesela.

W Europie taniec najwczesniej jest wspomniany w Iliadach Homera..

Starozytni Grecy stworzyli system tanca, ktory mial byc odzwierciedleniem ludzkich pasji... Arystotel czesto porownywal taniec do poezji, twierdzac, ze poszczegolni tancerze wyrazaja rytm po przez gesty, potrafia wyrazic przez to swoje zachowanie, pasje i dzialania. Rzezbiarze studiowali postawe tancerzy, aby odzwierciedlic swoja pasje w swoich rzezbach.

Ballet zaczal byc popularny w XVI wieku, wowczas tylko wsrod arystokratow...

Taniec jest swoista medytacja, rodzajem modlitwy (najlepiej odzwierdciedla to Paulo Coehlo w „Wiedzmie z Portbello”) taniec wyzwala nasze prawdziwe ‘ja’, pomaga nam sie odstresowac i byc tworca wlasnego ciala i wlasnego tanca...

Wracajac do tradycyjnego tanca kandyjskiego, zawiera on wiele elementow starozytnych, wzietych z rytualow i ceremonii. Wlasnie te rytualy odzwierciedlaja wierzenia i tradycje starozyjtnej sinhalezyjskiej kultury.

Buddyjskie wierzenia zawieraly wierzenia w rozne duchy i demony, ktore mialy chronic przeciw roznym schorzeniom i napasciom. Stad tez taniec jest poswiecony roznym bogom: Kohoma Kankariya, taniec Ruhunu – inaczej zwany tancem egzorcysty, taniec Saparagamu jest zwiazany z rytualem poswiecony bogu Pattini (bog zwyciestwa). Taniec Vannams, byl poczatkowo swoista recytacja. Kazdy taniecVannams opisuje zachowanie poszczegolnych zwierzat takich jak: slonie, malpy, kroliki czy koguty. Czesto tez, aby calkowicie wczuc sie w role reprezentowanej postaci, nieodlaczna czescia kostiumu tanecznego jest maska. Maska pozwala odciac sie od rzeczywistosci i poczuc sile Boga Vannam. Taniec jest wykonywany przy akompaniamencie roznych bebnow i perkusji takich jak Geta Beraya czy Thalampota.

Na wszelkich imprezach czy po poprostu spotkaniach z przyjaciolmi tanczony jest taniec bajla, ktory sklada sie z prostych obrotow i krokow, tanczony przy kazdym rodzaju muzyki.

Gdziekolwiek i kiedykolwiek, jezeli sie czujecie, ze wasze cialo zaczyna sie poruszac wraz z rytmem znajomej melodii. Oddajcie w rece muzyki i zobaczycie taniec robi cuda...

SUBA ALUTH AWURUDDAK WEEWA (Happy New Year to Everyone)

It’s not mistake 14th of April is Sri Lankan New Year, celebrated by everyone. You can hear everywhere: “Suba Aluth Awuruddak Weewa” and people answering: “Same eewa”

The Sinhala Hindu New Year - the Aluth Avurudda - is celebrated in the month of Bak according to the Sinhalese calendar. The name ‘Bak’ derives from the Sanskrit word ‘bhagya’ meaning ‘fortunate’.
The month of Bak corresponds to April in the Gregorian calendar, which is commonly used in Sri Lanka as it is in other parts of the world.
Although there is usually little conspicuous seasonal change experienced in the course of the year in Sri Lanka except for a relatively hot August and a relatively cool December, the month of Bak is associated with a certain vernal atmosphere - an unusual freshness in nature enhanced by spring blossoms and azure skies despite occasional showers.
It is the time the ripened paddy is gathered in, which gives rise to a pervasive sense of plenty especially to rural Sri Lanka.
“In terms of traditional astrological belief the sun is said to complete one circular movement across the twelve segments of the zodiac in the course of the year, taking a month to traverse each constellation. The arbitrary beginning of this circular solar progress is taken to be Aries (Mesha), which is conventionally represented by the zodiacal sign of ‘the ram’. Having travelled from Aries to Pisces the sun must pass from Pisces to Aries to begin a new year.”
The Bak festive season centres around a national cultural event which is unique in a number of ways. The Sinhala Hindu New Year is probably the only major traditional festival that is commonly observed by the largest number of Sinhalese and Tamils in the country. Its non-ethnic non-religious character is another distinctive feature. This festival cannot be described as ethnic because it is celebrated by both the Sinhalese and the Tamils, yet not by all of them: only Sinhalese Buddhists and Tamil Hindus participate in it, the Christians in both communities having nothing to do with it.

Bathing for passing year
The customary bathing for the passing year is equally important facet. Herbal bath gives physical purification. When one takes a herbal bath over the entire body, anointed with gingelly oil or mustard oil that provides a soothing effect for the body. Herbal baths are prescribed in Vedas too.
For this year, water mixed with the Juice of Bo leves is recommended. Body massage and herbal bath promotes blood circulation, and it is considered the best method of maintaining positive health. Herbal baths are prescribed as a method of treatment in many nervous disorders and diseases of the muscles and joints.

Promote family bondage
Another salient feature of the New Year is to respect the elders and to strengthen relationships with neighbours. Usually, visiting relations and friends and exchanging presents, greeting them with a sheaf of betel is the order of the day. Betel play a vital part in the New Year particularly in Asian culture. Betel is considered a sacred herb with many medicinal values. Chewing of betel along with cloves, cardamoms and arecanut after a meal is considered the best way to strengthen the gums. A chew of betel cleans the mouth, and wades off bad breath.
The juice of betel leaves promotes digestion, kills organisms which are harmful to the body. The value of betel is also appreciated in Buddhist literature.
Building up confidence, love, friendship and hope among elders, relations and friends plays a great role in achieving mental, physical and social wellbeing.

Nonekata
The nonekata is the transitional period in the planetary movement and considered to be inauspicious to start any propitious work. Therefore during nonekata it is the custom to be aloof from all normal activities and to confine only to religious observances.

Food value
The food which is taken during Sinhala New Year has many nutritious values. Sweet meat such as Mung Kevum, Konda Kavum made of brown rice, flour, Unduvel made of undu are indigenous sweets. All they have many food and nutritious values. Taking meals at an auspicious time with all family members sitting together is a noble, and healthy custom.
This happy get together should be adapted at all meals, and not confined to the New Year table alone. Many indulge in unwanted arguments and talks while taking meals. The Avurudu custom, gives the signal to avoid such unhealthy manners. Happy state of mind is very necessary for the proper digestion of food. Ayurveda makes it clear that wholesome food taken at proper time in proper quantity will not digest properly if the person is in bad mental state, such as fear, sorrow or arrogance. Therefore happy state at meals is ulmost importance in attaining healthy digestion.

The Sinhala Hindu New Year is a powerful symbol of renewal of hope for the future and reaffirmation of our bond with nature and our commitment to the time-honoured values of our forebears. It is truly a celebration of life.

* Some materials has been used from Sri Lanka Virtual Library

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