The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is today (14).

According to the Nakath Seettuwa (the official timetable of auspicious times), the New Year dawns today at 9:32 AM. The transition of the Sun from the house of Pisces (Meena Rashiya) to the house of Aries (Mesha Rashiya) is considered the dawn of the New Year.

The Punya Kaalaya (Inauspicious/Neutral period) begins before the New Year dawning. It will last from 3:08 AM to 3:56 PM today. It is mentioned that during this time, it is appropriate to set aside all work and engage in religious activities. During the latter half of the Punya Kaalaya, it is suitable to engage in New Year rituals such as cooking, starting work, and engaging in transactions.

The auspicious time for lighting the hearth and cooking meals is set for 10:51 AM. According to the Nakath Seettuwa, one should dress in red-colored clothes, face the South, light the hearth, and prepare milk rice (Kiribath), a type of traditional sweetmeat, and a mixture of ghee, milk, and roasted grain (Vilaada).

The auspicious time for starting work, engaging in transactions, and consuming the first meal is at 12:06 PM. It is mentioned that one should dress in red-colored clothes, face the South, and then proceed to start work, exchange money, and partake in the meal.