We are on the threshold of another New Year, cherished by the Sinhala and Tamil communities. It is an amazing festival that has been sustained for centuries. The aluth avurudu is an extended holiday when family reunions and fellowship take center stage. As I look back on the beautiful chapters of yesteryear, I feel an aura of unending bliss: sweet and vibrant memories. April is quite a happening month this year as we get to celebrate both Easter and Avurudu.
The manner in which avurudu is enjoyed is subject to change now, much of this due to rapid urbanization and the other is the scattering and migration of friends. I have not heard the joyous song of the Koha for a few years, although a friend has it on an app!
One thing that captivated me as a teenager was the scintillating sweets which we received from both our Buddhist and Hindu neighbours. The konde kevum, halape, kokkis and kalu dodal were eaten with earnest delight. I used to ponder then, on the intricate science of making the halape and its formation inside the kande kola - talk about organic food. Uncle Molligoda, who has now entered the heavenly realm, was a science teacher and we used to ask him for an explanation. This shy soul would grin and say that halape must be eaten and no questions asked! My Hindu neighbor was quite garrulous and would exaggerate the making of each sweet. We did not pay much attention to his culinary narratives as we used to chat with his fair niece, whose tender palms were infused with marathondi designs.
The boys used to roar with laughter at old Mr. Nadesan and his defiant opposition to the lighting of firecrackers, which sent the stray dogs bolting for cover. It was also a time when our neighbours had visiting relatives from ‘outstation’ who desired to witness the ‘big’ city. These kind souls came home bringing pots of curd and packets of tea leaves, and mother chatted with them.
At times we used to drive around the quiet streets of Colombo, with Uncle Godfrey - who is presently domiciled in Sydney. His jolly disposition was welcomed by all and he kept us entertained with loads of humour.
On one such drive we passed a lorry that had the initials MGM painted in gold. We both thought that the global movie giant Metro - Goldwyn - Myer was setting up in Colombo, and were happy. As we passed the lorry, we found to our utter dismay that this MGM stood for Meenachi Grinding Mills. We stopped the car and laughed uncontrollably as an alarmed traffic policeman directed his gaze towards us. Ah these were the days when Colombo gave you such comical scenes.
One of my older friends had this funny contraption made with about 5 feet of bamboo, into which a ‘skyrocket’ was angled and fired. The bamboo was like a bazooka, and gave us juniors quite a dazzling display of precision target firing. Once the bazooka was fired and the skyrocket landed on the clothesline of old Sigera, setting a sarong on fire! The old man frenzied with rage came out and uttered all kinds of threats, with synchronized signals from his hands, which made us run in all directions. A second volley was fired from the bamboo bazooka and this time old Sigera bolted to the refuge of his verandah.
The avurudu kumaris of our time were 100% natural beauties, with long luscious black hair. They did not go to spas but had a glowing countenance. Their radiant smiles were like 100 rainbows. Some of these fair dames played cricket with us. But along with this youthful folly we integrated as one Sri Lankan family. There were young boys and girls – Muslims, Tamils, Burghers and Sinhalese all gelling and enjoying the alluring delights of April. Our parents were all united and knew each other well. Our chatting was not restricted to the digital domain of Skype or Facebook. We spoke to our friends in person. We didn’t take selfies but the faces of our friends are engraved in our minds. We must strive to uphold the traditions from our heritage and respect our elders.
One of my prudent friends used to say as we drank plain tea ” Our lives are like tea leaves. When the leaves are immersed in boiling hot water they give of their finest taste for others to enjoy. So as we venture into another new year, let us confront out challenges, be positive and give of our best”. I endorse the wisdom of my friend. Let this avurudu be a season to reflect and renew our aspirations. We must not lose our voice like the Khoa perched on a solitary branch. We are the generation that will empower this nation to success.