Attending the Sri Lanka Educational, Cultural and Welfare Foundation 2011 New Year celebrations at the Kadwa Patidar Centre in Harrow, Matthew watched traditional dancers and musicians entertain the crowd.
Unlike the celebrations of the new gregorian calender year at midnight on December 31, the Sinhalese and Tamil traditional New Year begins at a time determined by astrological calculations. Additionally the ending of the old year, and the beginning of the new year, occur several hours apart. This time span starts when the sun begins to cross the astrological boundary between 'House of Pisces' and 'House of Aries' and ends when the crossing is complete. The halfway point is considered as the dawn of the new year. This period is referred to as the Nonagathe or the 'neutral period'. During this time Sri Lankans are, according to tradition, encouraged to refrain from material pursuits, and engage solely in either religious activities or traditional games.
Giving the audience a message, Matthew said: “Claire and I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and a prosperous Sinhala and Tamil New Year. This celebration brings the hope of new beginnings and fresh promise, and this year is no exception as Sri Lankans from all parts of the island can celebrate together in a peaceful and united country. People can now come together in a united and strong Sri Lanka which can play it’s part in the emerging global economies of Asia.”
Photo: Matthew at the traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony