A happy evening to remember
The sight of elders clad in colourful redda hatta, with matching chains and bangles singing and dancing happily was a sight to remember. As the beat of rabana continued, they were enjoying their annual Avurudu Utsawa celebrations organised by the NGO Forum on Aging (NFOA) and held at the Subud House, Frankfurt Place, Colombo 4 on April 24.
Dancing: Elders take the floor. Pix by Nilan Maligaspe
Others less energetic, both men and women all from their 60s to 90s were sitting around munching traditional sweetmeats like Kokis and Kevum and clapping to the music. NFOA organises these New Year and Christmas celebrations for the elders every year and it is clear that whatever their religion or background, they look forward to this time of sharing.
Elders from Mallika Homes, Methodist Homes, St Anthony’s, St Margaret’s, Grace Perera and few other Homes in Colombo were present at the celebration.
A highlight of the evening was the crowning of the Avurudu Kumari and Avurudu Kumarya. Sheela Peiris who is in her mid-80s from the Grace Perera Elders Home Kalubowila was crowned as the Avurudu Kumari by the secretary of the NFOA Devika Nananyakkara. Evlin Fernando, also in her mid 80s from the same Home at Kalubowila was the runner-up.
Tired out after dancing, Sheela she was happy to wear the crown.
Evlin who could not remember her age said she is happy to take part in the Avurudu celebrations. She also proudly said that she was crowned as the first Avurudu Kumari at their Elders Home New Year celebration.
The NOFA members gave each elder a gift hamper. (
For the others it was a time to chat and enjoy a break from the routine. Badara Lokuge, 87, from Lankadara Home told us she was from a wealthy family and her father had been a gem merchant in Ratnapura. She could not continue her studies because she had to marry young according to her parents’ dictates. However when the marriage failed she studied to be an English teacher and taught at Presbyterian Girls’ School and at St. Mary’s Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Kollupitiya and few other schools in Colombo.
“I came here on my own wish. I have been here for more than a decade and I am happy,” said Badara.
NFOA aims to look after the interests and needs of older persons, who are either alone or in need of help. “We invite a group of seven elders from a few homes from Colombo for this celebration depending on the financial assistance we have,” President of NFOA, Chitra Thillakaratne told the Sunday Times.
The Avurudu Kumari and Avurudu Kumarya
Elders’ homes function from the donations and funds given by individuals and companies. “We are happy to help them at every chance we get,” she added.
“Hemas, Nestle, Maliban Biscuits, Siddhalepa and Gihan Textiles provided us biscuit packets, toothpastes, soaps and serviettes to give them a gift hamper after the celebrations. I am very thankful to them for their assistance,” said Devika Nanayakkara.
Many of the elders have no family who care to visit them regularly. “The worst of all is that most relatives who admit them to the homes often do not give their correct address so even if they pass away there is no one from their family to attend their funeral,” says Neelamani, adding that even last week they had such a situation.
For those helping out it was another satisfying effort. “I wouldn’t compare helping elders to any other work I do. I love to help them and make them feel comfortable,” said Devika.
The celebration ended with the distribution of Avurudu fare – kevum, kokis, paniyaram, drink and gift hampers to the elders and to the well-wishers who were present to help the elders have a happy evening.