The Sinhala & Tamil New Year in Sri Lanka celebrates the end of the
harvesting season. This festival is celebrated in the month of April
and at this time the sun is directly above the island. The customs
and traditions associated with the celebration of Avurudu and
Puththandu have been observed by the people of Sri Lanka for countless
generations. People flock to temples to receive blessings from the
monks. Children offer betel to parents and elders as a sign of
gratitude and to receive blessings in return.