Bullock cart race on Sinhala New Year

A competitor takes part in a bullock cart race during traditional festival games ahead of celebrations for Sinhala, the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, in Homagama, Sri Lanka on 1 April. Reuters
A competitor takes part in a bullock cart race during traditional festival games ahead of celebrations for Sinhala, the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, in Homagama, Sri Lanka on 1 April. Reuters

On the occasion of Aluth Avurudda, the Sinhalese New Year, various cultural programmes are held in Sri Lanka. Bullock cart race is one among them.

A competitor takes part in a bullock cart race during traditional festival games ahead of celebrations for Sinhala, the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, in Homagama, Sri Lanka on 1 April. Reuters
A competitor takes part in a bullock cart race during traditional festival games ahead of celebrations for Sinhala, the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, in Homagama, Sri Lanka on 1 April. Reuters

Usually it is observed on 13 or 14 April. The timing is nearly the same as the Bengali New Year's timing. The year begins with the sight of a new moon.

With the end of spring or harvest season, like the Bengali calendar, Sinhalese New Year commences.

Competitors take part in a bullock cart race during traditional festival games ahead of celebrations for Sinhala, the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, in Homagama, Sri Lanka on 1 April. Reuters
Competitors take part in a bullock cart race during traditional festival games ahead of celebrations for Sinhala, the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, in Homagama, Sri Lanka on 1 April. Reuters

The occasion is celebrated across the world by the Sihalese people. People meet family, visit friends, and offer prayers during this time.