Sri Lankans of all races have been partying too. Not due to the first cross-ethnic phenomenon, mind (cricket), but the second! The thirteenth and fourteenth of April saw the Sinhala-Hindu New Year descend upon us.

Celebrated in the month of Bak according to the lunar calendar, the Sri Lankan New Year pays homage to the coming of spring. Co-incidentally, the name ‘Bak’ derives from the Sanskrit word ‘bhagya’ meaning ‘fortunate’. Useful when this time of year sees the ripened rice paddy harvest being gathered in, giving a sense of plenty to rural Sri Lanka.

Strong similarities can be drawn with the Jewish observance of Pesach, earlier this week – it is a time for families to celebrate, exchange gifts, observe cultural rituals (such as eating the famous ‘kiribath’ milk rice) and wish for a prosperous new year. Further information can be found here.