Lakshan, Nadee and Zenya
As the scent of freshly made kokis fills the air and the sound of laughter echoes through sunlit courtyards, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year ushers in a time of renewal, gratitude, and deep-rooted tradition. We caught up with Nadee Kahatapitiya; entrepreneur, engineer, singer, lyricist, and soulful celebrator of all things Sri Lankan, to chat about how she keeps the Avurudu spirit alive with her own sweet twist.
Q How do you usually celebrate Sinhala and Tamil New Year?
It’s always such a heart-warming time! We either stay home surrounded by loved ones or travel somewhere where we can really soak in the festive energy. It’s all about love, respect, and good vibes, no matter where we are.
Q What are some traditions your family follows during the New Year?
We love making some of the Avurudu sweets at home; there’s just so much joy in that process. On the big day, we boil milk first and start with blessings and prayers. Then comes the feast! We share meals with neighbours, visit our parents and elders with betel leaves and small gifts, and always remember to give a little something to our staff too. It's a beautiful flow of gratitude.
We love making some of the Avurudu sweets at home; there’s just so much joy in that process.
Q Who introduced you to these traditions? Have you passed them on?
My mom, without a doubt! I’ve watched her for years bring in the New Year with grace and positive energy. I’ve picked up her ways and added a little bit of my own flair to it. Now, I’m passing that magic on - bit by bit.
Q Do you prepare any special dishes for the occasion?
Oh yes! I always start the day with kiribath (milk rice) after the milk boils. And my grandmother’s milk toffee recipe? It’s legendary. We also make kokis and sometimes a good old chocolate cake makes a guest appearance!
Q What’s your all-time favorite Avurudu sweet?
No contest, milk toffees! Homemade, creamy, and dangerously addictive. I can eat them forever..
My mom, without a doubt! I’ve watched her for years bring in the New Year with grace and positive energy.
Q Do you take part in any New Year games or cultural activities?
If we’re away or at an event; absolutely! I’m all in for the fun stuff: breaking pots, lime-on-spoon races, musical chairs. Anything that makes us laugh till our cheeks hurt!
Q Any childhood memories that make you smile?
Haha, yes! My mom used to go to hilarious lengths to hide the sweets from me. She’d tuck them away in the weirdest spots, but I always found them! I also loved visiting family from both sides, it felt like walking into a string of mini festivals, one warm home at a time.
Q What does the New Year mean to you, personally?
It’s like a beautiful pause. A reminder of who we are, what we value, and the love we share. It grounds us and gives us a sweet excuse to reach out and reconnect, with family, friends, and even ourselves.
It’s like a beautiful pause. A reminder of who we are, what we value, and the love we share.
Q Have you come up with any new traditions of your own?
Yes, and I love this one! We write out personalized New Year wishes for each family member and hand them their first bite before digging into the ultimate calorie-fest of a meal. It’s our little way of making it extra special and memorable.
Q How do you balance the old-school customs with modern-day life?
Life’s so fast now, so, we keep it light and meaningful. Even if we can’t do everything, we make a few sweets, say our prayers, and spend real time together. My little one’s just two, so we take it slow and soak up every moment. It's all about connection, not perfection.
As our conversation with Nadee comes to an end, it’s clear that for her, the New Year isn’t just about rituals; it’s about relationships. It’s not about the perfect celebration, but the heartfelt one. Whether it’s hiding jars of milk toffee (unsuccessfully!) or writing sweet notes to family, she reminds us that the most cherished traditions are the ones wrapped in love.
Thilak, Kumari, Lakshan, Nadee and Zenya
Lalith, Indira, Lakshan and Nadee with Baby Zenya
