COLOMBO : The Sri Lankan community in Jeddah and the Western Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came together in celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, marking the occasion with traditional customs, cultural performances, and a deep sense of unity.
Organized by the Sri Lanka Expatriate Society under the patronage of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah, the event brought together over 800 Sri Lankans and their families, representing diverse backgrounds and faiths. Acting Consul General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah, Mafusa Lafir, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The day began with the auspicious lighting of the traditional oil lamp, followed by the boiling of milk, an emblem of prosperity and blessings for the New Year. Attendees were served with traditional avurudu delicacies. A lively performance of raban pada by community members added rhythm and spirit to the celebrations. The event also featured appearances by popular Sri Lankan artists Priyantha Seneviratne and Piyumi Botheju, who engaged with the crowd and participated in a range of entertainment and cultural activities.
Participants took part in traditional Awurudu games, creating an atmosphere filled with joy, camaraderie, and friendly competition. A major highlight of this year’s festivities was the debut of the Avurudu Kumara & Kumariya (New Year Prince and Princess) contest. A community marathon, held earlier on April 18th, also contributed to the festive buildup.
The day concluded with a high-energy musical performance by the popular C7 Band of Jeddah, further enhancing the festive mood. Return air tickets to Sri Lanka was awarded to winners of Avurudu Kumara and Kumariya by the Al Jazeera Airline, while the winner of the raffle draw received a ticket from Gulf Air.
The event offered Sri Lankans living far from their homeland a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with their cultural roots and relive the cherished traditions of New Year celebrations, while also strengthening the bonds within the community in Jeddah and the surrounding regions.
