Here’s what it’s like to spend Avurudhu in Kandy
By Shakirah Mohamed.
There’s an unmistakable magic that descends upon Kandy in April. As the Sinhala and Tamil New Year approaches, the city takes on the colour of celebration, a beautiful union of sacred and spectacular.
As the cradle of Sri Lanka’s art, culture, and philosophy, this historic city was the last stronghold of the island’s monarchy before colonial rule. The Temple of the Tooth Relic, standing regally by the Kandy Lake, plays an integral role in Avurudhu, much as it has for centuries. This UNESCO listed shrine, home to Buddhism’s most sacred relic, has long been the spiritual heartbeat of the city. During Avurudhu, devotees arrive in droves, dressed in white, bearing trays of fragrant jasmine and lotus blooms. The rhythmic chanting of the monks resonates through the halls, and the scent of burning incense lingers in the cool mountain air.
Kandy’s Avurudhu traditions trace back to the era of its monarchs, when Kandyan kings marked the New Year with grand ceremonies at the temple. Historical records depict rulers making elaborate offerings, performing rituals of purification, and seeking blessings for prosperity and protection. Even today, much of these traditions remain. The lighting of the oil lamp at auspicious times, the ceremonial boiling of milk symbolising abundance, and the sharing of sweetmeats like kavum and kokis have their roots in these royal customs.
The influence of the Dalada Perahera, Kandy’s most iconic procession, can also be felt in Avurudhu celebrations. Though the perahera itself takes place in August, some its elements, such as the pageantry and drumming, seep into the New Year festivities. The rhythmic beats of the geta beraya, can often heard at temple premises during Avurudhu, reminding that faith and festivities are inseparable in this city.
Beyond the temple walls, Kandy’s streets take on an infectious energy. Markets brimming with shoppers looking for everything from brass lamps to kokis achchauwa. The celebrations spill into the city’s most beloved public spaces, each offering a unique take on vibrant festivities. Around the Kandy Lake, smaller community events bring city dwellers together for traditional games. Meanwhile, the sprawling Bogambara Grounds, once the site of Sri Lanka’s historic prison, hosts Avurudhu Uthsawayas featuring stage shows, Avurudhu themed competitions, and family friendly games. Checking local event listings closer to April ensures you don’t miss out on the most exciting happenings.
At Kandy Myst by Cinnamon, the newest addition to Kandy's skyline, the spirit of Avurudhu lives on. The morning begins with a table full of kavili and kiribath, shared with loved ones and soft sunrise light. Families gather to mark the beginning of Soorya Managalya, a quiet nod to tradition before the garden fills with joy. Children run barefoot, playing games passed down through generations, while adults join in with sack races and blindfolded yoghurt challenges, all laughter and good natured chaos. Lunch is often a generous Ambula feast, full of heritage flavours, shared with everyone near and dear.
But perhaps, the most enchanting part of spending the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in Kandy is the way time itself seems to slow, revealing layers of cultural depth. It takes us back to a time where Avurudhu was deeply, beautifully lived.
