The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is celebrated with much passion, pomp and fanfare. According to traditional astrological belief, the sun completes its movement across the twelve segments of the Zodiac in the course of a year taking one month to travel each constellation. The transition of the Sun from the house of Pisces to the House of Aries marks the beginning of New Year (Aluth Avurudu) and is usually celebrated on April 14th every year.

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A number of customs and traditional beliefs are associated with the New Year celebrations in the country. The Sinhalese are influenced by astrological faiths and perform several religious practices during this time.