26 May 2023

Sinhala & Tamil New Year Sweets in Sri Lanka

Each April, Sri Lanka comes alive with colorful traditions and delicious treats as families gather to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, a festival symbolizing new beginnings and sweet moments shared together.

The Essence of Sinhala and Tamil New Year Celebrations in Sri Lanka

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a cherished festival in Sri Lanka, observed in 2025 on April 13th and 14th, with the main celebrations taking place on April 14th. This vibrant occasion marks the transition of the sun from Pisces to Aries, and is steeped in rituals, joyful gatherings, and of course, mouth-watering sweets. Travelers looking to immerse themselves in Sri Lanka's rich culture should consider a trip to India to explore the interconnected traditions across the region.

A Table Full of Tradition: Sweets of the New Year

Food plays a central role in New Year festivities, symbolizing prosperity, unity, and happiness in the year ahead. Every household serves a lavish spread, with sweets and snacks that echo Sri Lanka’s unique flavors and hospitality. Below are some of the classic treats traditionally enjoyed during this joyful season:

Milk Rice (Kiribath)

A beloved festive dish for all auspicious moments, milk rice is a staple for the New Year table. It’s made by steaming rice and cooking it with thick coconut milk, resulting in a creamy texture. Often paired with chili paste or lunu miris (a spicy blend of onions, chilies, and salt) and finished with fresh lime juice, it's as simple as it is soulful.

Kokis

Crispy and iconic, kokis is a deep-fried Sri Lankan snack shaped with decorative molds. The batter is made from rice flour, coconut milk, eggs, and a hint of sugar and salt, then fried to golden perfection—bringing a delightful crunch to every bite.

Pani Walalu (Honey Rings)

Pani walalu, or honey rings, are a favorite among children. Made from a mixture of ulundu (black gram) and rice flour, these coils are deep-fried and then soaked in honey or sugar syrup, resulting in sticky-sweet, crunchy rings that brightens any New Year table.

Kevum (Kavum)

Kevum, also known as oil cakes, are essential at New Year celebrations. These golden treats are crafted from rice flour and kithul treacle, fried until they develop a crisp exterior while keeping a soft, syrupy inside—the taste a quintessential reminder of Avurudu joy.

Mung Kevum

Mung kevum offers a twist to classic kevum by adding mung bean flour to the mix with rice flour and kithul treacle. This combination introduces a subtle earthiness to the sweet, making it a special treat for festive occasions.

Athirasa

Flat and round, athirasa is closely related to kevum in flavor but differs in shape. Easy to prepare, this treat combines rice flour and kithul treacle into flat discs, then fries them until aromatic and pleasantly chewy.

Aasmi

Aasmi is a beloved New Year sweet characterized by its lace-like appearance. Made from rice flour, coconut milk, and an essential extract of cinnamon leaf juice, aasmi is deep-fried and later adorned with colored sugar syrup or treacle for extra appeal, especially for children.

Dodol

Dodol stands out for its dark, gel-like consistency created with jaggery, coconut milk, and rice flour. This rich confection requires patience and teamwork to prepare, but rewards with an intensely sweet experience—typically bought from specialty shops for the holiday.

Weli Thalapa

Popular in rural areas, weli thalapa combines steamed rice flour beads with generous amounts of treacle and coconut before being cut into small, chewy pieces. Sweet, filling, and deeply rooted in tradition, it’s a village favorite during Avurudu.

Naran Kavum

Naran kavum brings together scraped coconut, sugar or jaggery, and rice flour. The sweetened coconut, known as pani pol, is formed into balls, coated in batter, and deep-fried, producing a pleasingly moist and sweet delight.

Aluwa

A diamond-shaped treat, aluwa is crafted from roasted rice flour, treacle, cashew nuts, and cardamom. Sometimes prepared with sugar syrup, aluwa can vary in name and style across Sri Lanka, but is always soft, fragrant, and satisfying.

More Than Sweets: The Spirit of New Year

Beyond the culinary delights, Avurudu is about family reunions, playing traditional games like Rabana, Olinda Keliya, and Pancha Demima, and performing rituals at astrologically chosen auspicious times. Each sweet on the New Year table is a testament to hospitality, happiness, and fresh beginnings in Sri Lankan culture.