The celebration, observed by Sri Lankans across the globe, was marked by traditional food, dancing, music, and games.
On Sunday, April 7, our Sri Lankan community celebrated Aluth Avurudda, or Sri Lankan New Year.
The event was an opportunity for local Sri Lankans, like Chathura Perera, to connect with their community whilst enjoying many lively customs.
“It was a nice family day for everybody to get together,” Mr Perera said.
“A few new families came, so we got to meet them and all share a meal together.”
Aluth Avurudda dates back to ancient Sri Lankan history, and begins when the sun moves from Meena Rashiya, or Pisces, to Mesha Rashiya, Aries, according to Sinhalese astrology.
It is also a harvest festival, marking the end of spring and the harvest season in Sri Lanka.
A traditional Sri Lankan feast was enjoyed reflecting its harvest festival origins, with all of the sweets and dishes cooked by attendees.
Some of the festivities were adapted to work in Echuca, including the games and decorations.
“We used palm leaves instead of coconut leaves, as palm leaves are easier to find in Echuca,” Mr Perera said.
“Back in Sri Lanka we play lots of traditional games, but they are hard to source here, so we just put on some other games for the kids, like tug-of-war and races.”
The event was hosted at the Echuca East Recreation Reserve, and Mr Perera was very grateful for the help provided by Campaspe Shire Council for the event.
“They provided us with the hall and were very flexible with us,” he said.
“It takes a long time to decorate and set up, so they even let us come in a bit early.
“We really want to thank the council.”
Sri Lankan New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in the calendar, observed by a mix of religions and ethnicities.
It is generally celebrated on April 13 or 14 with family at home, but the Echuca community also wanted to mark the occasion with a larger group.
Mr Perera said there are around 40-50 Sri Lankan families in the area, and about 75 people of all ages came on the day.
“Some grandparents came from Sri Lanka to spend the school holidays together,” he said.
“So they got to come to the celebrations with the kids.”
The kids enjoyed the day out, playing games, trying different sweets and spending time with their community.
As they grow up in Australia, their families don’t want them to miss out on important Sri Lankan cultural practices and events.
“We want to show the children the traditions and give them an understanding,” Mr Perera said.
“Most of the kids were born in Echuca or in Melbourne, so we want to pass down to them what it is and why we do it.”
The Sri Lankan community welcomes everyone to their events and enjoys sharing their culture with people who are unfamiliar.
“People came and asked questions about what we were doing,” Mr Perera said.
“We offered them food and spoke to them about what was going on.”
The Sri Lankan community puts on regular events, including cultural celebrations and catch-ups.
Many people have moved into the area from Melbourne or Sri Lanka, and the community continues to grow.
“There are many other Sri Lankans in Echuca, Moama, Tongala, Kyabram, all over,” Mr Perera said.
“They might not know that these events are happening, so we want to put the word out there.”