The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, also known as Avurudu, is a major cultural festival celebrated in Sri Lanka. It marks the beginning of the Sinhala and Tamil calendar and is a time of joy and happiness for Sri Lankans all over the world. Along with the festive atmosphere, one of the most exciting things about Avurudu is the traditional clothing that is worn during the celebrations.
For Sinhalese people, the traditional dress for women is the Osariya, also known as a saree. The Osariya is a long piece of cloth, usually made of silk or cotton, that is draped over a blouse and worn with a petticoat. The saree is often brightly colored with intricate designs, and it is considered a symbol of elegance and femininity. Men, on the other hand, typically wear a sarong, also known as a ‘veshti’ in Tamil, which is a long piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and legs. The sarong is usually made of cotton or silk and is worn with a shirt or a traditional jacket called a ‘jacket’ or ‘baniyan’.
For Tamil people, the traditional clothing for women is the ‘Pavada Thavani’, also known as a ‘pavadai saree’ in Tamil. It is a long skirt worn with a blouse and a scarf or shawl called ‘davani’. The pavada thavani is usually made of silk or cotton and is adorned with colorful embroidery or prints. Men traditionally wear a ‘veshti’ or a ‘dhoti’, which is a long piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and legs. The veshti is worn with a shirt or a traditional jacket called a ‘angavastram’.
During the Avurudu celebrations, it is common to see people of all ages dressed in traditional attire, adding to the festive spirit of the occasion. In addition to the traditional clothing, people also adorn themselves with jewelry, such as necklaces, bangles, and earrings made of gold, silver, or other precious metals. The jewelry is often passed down from generation to generation and holds significant sentimental value.
The traditional clothing worn during Avurudu is not only a way to celebrate the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka but also serves as a means of bringing people together. It is a way of showing respect for the traditions of the past and passing them down to future generations. In addition to being an important cultural symbol, the traditional clothing worn during Avurudu is also a way of expressing personal style and creativity.
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Experience the vibrant celebration of Avurudu, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and immerse yourself in the beautiful traditional clothing worn during this festive season!
