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The old order changeth
View(s):The “Shanthi Karmaya” ceremony or the Gam Maduwa as it was referred to -complete with devil dancing and fire built up to the traditional ringing in of the new year of years gone by.
Scenes from the Shanthi Karmaya. Pix by Indika Handuwala
These ceremonies usually starting around 7 p.m. continued till the early hours of the morning and ended with fire walking ceremonies. It is believed that those who participated in these events would be abundantly blessed in the New Year.
This was the traditional style of ringing in the new year.
Today, however the new year is welcomed by Sri Lankans in different ways. Many hit the clubs while others ‘dress to the nines’ and attend New Year’s Eve parties.
Music is an essential part of all these festivities and often blares onto the streets, all in good cheer.
Still others engage in religious activities, particularly at midnight. Churches overflow with people and temples exude the fragrance of joss sticks.
The Alhena Siri Rathanasara Temple in Gothatuwa rang in the New Year in a unique fashion-with a colourful “shanthi karmaya” ceremony complete with devil dancing and fire.
