Sinhala / Tamil New Year Celebration - 2017

This is a past event. This event took place on April 15, 2017

What is the Sinhala / Tamil New Year Celebration?

Sinhala and Tamil New Year, generally known as Aluth Avurudda in Sri Lanka, is an event celebrated by Sri Lankans. This event is celebrated every year in April. Wikipedia has an excellent introduction to this traditional event.

New Year Celebration at SIBC

SIBC is conducting a Buddha pooja and Seth Pirith chanting and an offering of blessings for the Sinhala and Tamil New year. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, 15-Apr 2017 starting at 4.45PM at the SIBC temple premises in Tukwila, Washington. Events will finish by 7pm.

5.00PM : Buddha Pooja

Resident monks will also conduct a Buddha pooja and we have an opportunity offer our gratitude to Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. Children will have the opportunity offer traditional greetings with Betel leaves to the monks, parents and elders and get blessings for the new year.

6.00PM : Pirith chanting

Pirith is the Sinhala word for the Pali word “paritta”, which means protection. Buddhists believe that recitation and contemplation of the words of the Buddha protects them from bad influences and promotes peace of mind and love. Seth pirith is a special form of pirith chanting conducted in Sri Lanka to offer blessings.

6.45PM : Sri Lankan traditional kiribath and snack foods

These religious events will be followed by a traditional Sri Lankan pot luck comprising of Kiribath (Milk rice), and other snacks. Please sign up to bring food items to share with your friends. (Web link will be sent soon)

Notes

Attire / What to bring

You may dress in traditional Sri Lankan clothes or simply what’s comfortable. Please note that it’s customary to wear light clothes when visiting a Buddhist temple. Please bring flowers if you wish to participate in the Buddha pooja. You may bring a few Betel leaves if you would like your children to take part in traditional greeting.

Can we invite our friends?

All SIBC events, including Sinhala and Tamil New year celebrations are open to everyone regardless of race or religion. Reserve the date and tell your friends. We look forward to seeing you there.