The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, one of the most celebrated festivals in Sri Lanka, symbolising the prosperity and ethnic harmony in the country dawned this evening.

The New Year dawned at the auspicious time of 07:48 on Wednesday evening. The Punya Kalaya began at 1.24 p.m. today and ends at 2.12 a.m. on Thursday.

Astrologers note that it is suitable to consume meals before 01:24 today and engage in religious observances. The auspicious time for lighting the hearth and preparing meals fell at 8.06 p.m. on Wednesday.

Astrologers have noted that this tradition must be followed by wearing a light green garments facing the South. The tradition of transacting and consuming the first meal of the New Year was done at 8.54 p.m. on Wednesday.

The tradition of anointing oil in the New Year will take place at 10:41 a.m. on Saturday, April 16.

Astrologers say that this tradition must be carried out while wearing blue-coloured garments.

The auspicious time of leaving for occupation falls on Monday, April 18, at 6.27 a.m.

Astrologers say that white garments should be worn for this tradition, and that one should engage in this tradition facing the East.

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