Colombo (News 1st); The Sinhala and Tamil New Year dawned at 02:33 AM on Wednesday (14) symbolizing the transition of the Sun from the house of Pisces to the house of Aries.

The Sinhala & Tamil New Year in Sri Lanka celebrates the end of the harvesting season.

The dawn of the New Year is based on the sun’s astrological movement from the Meena Rashiya (House of Pisces) to the Mesha Rashiya (House of Aries), bringing to an end the harvesting season.

This festival is celebrated in the month of April and at this time the sun is directly above the island.

This year’s ‘Punya Kalaya’ or else known as ‘Nonagathaya’, the neutral time where all business and work-related activities come to an end, commenced at 08:09 PM on Tuesday (13).

During this period, Sri Lankans visit places of worship to obtain blessings and engaged in religious observances.

Thereafter, at 02:33 AM, Sri Lankans welcomed the dawn of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with fresh hopes and renewed determination.

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