The Asian Koel (Koha)
From March the sound of the koha spreads throughout the island telling us to start preparing ourselves for the Avurudu season. Also called Asian koel, (Eudynamys scolopaceus) is a beautiful bird that’s easy to spot during the Avurudu season.
Males are shiny black with red eyes, while females are a dull brown with spots, making them harder to see in the trees. The call of the Koel has a special connection to Avurudu, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
The Koel’s song is a reminder of the changing seasons and the start of something new, just like how Avurudu celebrates new beginnings.
In Sri Lanka, the Koel’s song makes everything feel extra special during Avurudu time, as it marks the end of one year and the start of a new one according to the traditional lunar calendar.
For many Sri Lankans, the sound of the Koel’s call is a signal that it’s time to celebrate. People get ready for Avurudu by cleaning their homes, wearing new clothes, preparing delicious traditional foods like kevum (oil cakes) and spending time with family.
The bird’s song often brings good luck and is thought to bring happiness and prosperity for the year ahead. So, when you hear the call of the Asian Koel during Avurudu time in Sri Lanka, you can be sure that the spirit of celebration is in the air, and it’s time to enjoy the wonderful traditions and happiness that come with the New Year!
It’s like the bird is joining in the celebration, reminding everyone to look forward to the New Year with hope and happiness. So, when you hear the Koel singing in Sri Lanka during Avurudu, you’ll know it’s time for a big celebration, full of fun, family, and delicious food!
Erabadu flower
In Sri Lanka, there is a beautiful flower called the Erabadu (Erythrina variegata), which is also known as the Coral Tree. This flower is very special and is often seen during Avurudu, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year! The Erabadu flower is a bright, red flower that grows on tall trees.
It looks like little flames because of its vibrant red colour. These flowers bloom in the early days of April, just in time for Avurudu, and they are one of the signs that the New Year is about to arrive. During Avurudu, the Erabadu flower is very important. It’s like nature is getting ready to celebrate the New Year! The bright red flowers can be seen in gardens and on trees everywhere, making everything look colourful and joyful. People in Sri Lanka believe that when the Erabadu flowers bloom, it’s a sign of new beginnings and happiness, just like the New Year!
The flowers are often used to decorate homes during Avurudu. They help make the celebrations even more beautiful. People also use the flowers for special ceremonies, believing they bring good luck and good things for the year ahead. The Erabadu flower reminds everyone that Avurudu is here! It represents happiness, new beginnings, and the bright future that waits us.
Just like how the flowers bloom in spring, Avurudu is a time to start fresh and look forward to a wonderful new year full of fun, family, and delicious food.
So, whenever you see the Erabadu flower blooming during Avurudu, you’ll know that it’s time to celebrate the New Year, surrounded by friends and family!
