Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c7.88

c7.88

The four great annual festivals (*maṅgalya*¹) are the Avurudu (New Year) in Vesak (May), the *Perahera* in *Ehala* (July), the *Kārti* or feast of lights (Hindu *Dipavali*) in (November), and the *Alutsal* (harvest-home) in *Duruṭṭa* (January). The great annual holidays occupied two or three weeks previous to the New Year; at this time the fields do not require much attention, the craftsmen are idle, and the people engage in games, such as *amkeliya*. Before the New Year, it was the duty of the astrologers to prepare a notice, giving information of (1) the day and precise minute of its commencement; (2) the auspicious hour for the *Nānumura maṅgalya*; (3) the auspicious hour for taking the first cooked food; (4) the hour for taking the first bath; (5) the hour for commencing business; and (6) the auspicious hour for making presents. The *Nānumura maṅgalya* is a purification ceremony immediately following the New Year, in which use is made of a composition of lime-juice, sandal paste, etc., especially for cleansing the hair. In Buddhist temples the reflection of the head of the image in a mirror is carefully bathed. At this time the tenants of *ninda* villages appeared with presents before the proprietor, and attended to the regular repairs of his *valavva*. In temple villages they likewise presented their *peṇum*, repaired the buildings, took part in the processions, erected booths for lights and so forth. Children appeared before their parents, asked pardon for all offences; and chiefs appeared before the king with presents. The whole festival lasted several days, till the last ceremony was performed; during this time all people kept holiday, and chiefs and people were exempted from public service. No craftsman would recommence work after the holidays before the lucky hour; it is still a most inconvenient time, like the English *Perahera*