Kovil rituals that see in the Hindu New Year
Sri Selva Vinayager temple in Kandy
Puthandu or Pathuvarusham, the Tamil New Year is celebrated on April 14, according to the solar system as the first day of the Hindu calendar. It is the first day of the Tamil month named Chittirai.
Seeing a ceremonial tray prepared at home with fruits, flowers,betel leaves, money and other religious objects early morning on New Year’s day, is considered auspicious.
The Swamy at the Sri Selva Vinayager temple in Kandy –the Pillayer or Ganadevi Kovil, explained the activities on the 14th and how the NewYear is celebrated. “It is on the same day as the Sinhala Aluth Avurudda and according to the Hindu calendar dawns at 1.29 a.m. and is known as ‘pilavevarsham’ – a name is given every year.”
He continued, “At 4 a.m., the kovil gives the ‘aushada’ an oil mixed with medicinal ingredients. On the previous day too, they distribute this oil. Devotees take it home, apply it on the head with certain leaves placed above the head and under the feet, take a bath and visit the kovil dressed in new clothes. This year the colours are blue and green.”
“The Shiva-Parvathi abhshek pooja at the kovil will be performed by bathing the idols in milk, saffron water, thambili and repeating stanzas in worship.
“In preparation for the New Year, people clean their homes the previous day, sprinkle saffron water and display a specific number of mango leaves over the front door. Now, they also decorate with gokkola. They make kolam designs on the floor with coloured rice flour at the entrance to their home.”
“When they return home they worship at their shrine rooms and begin the celebrations. The ashir kai vishesham is a practice where children pay their respects to the elders and in return they are blessed and gifted with money.
“Milkrice and sweetmeats are prepared. A special new year dish and a vegetarian meal is served,” he explained. After the last New Year being in lockdown, people are, no doubt, eagerly awaiting the festivities.