Celebrate Avurudu at Aitken Spence Hotels

By Rashika Fazali

It’s that time of the year when celebrations last as long as a week, when traditional sweetmeats are the obvious favourites, when every family member participates in the games and when tourists come down to Sri Lanka just to experience and be a part of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

From ‘banis kema’ (bun eating competition) to ‘kotta pora’ (pillow fighting on a pole) to crowning of the Avurudu kumari (new year queen), Aitken Spence Hotels will celebrate this Avurudu in a grand yet different way pertaining to the different culture in every city. They have promised to deliver the right celebrations, atmosphere, food and entertainment needed to enjoy one’s New Year.

Whether visitors want to lounge on the beach or at the countryside, Aitken Spence Hotels gives you eight unique locations to choose from. Heritance Ahungalla, a five star hotel situated on the southwest coast of the country, is gearing up to give their guests a sunny and breezy Avurudu festival with the traditional Avurudu games for kids as well as the staff starting from the 9 April under the theme ‘Soorya Mangalyaya’.

Since Heritance Ahungalla is a child friendly hotel, it’s the perfect place for guests to take their kids to as they will be thoroughly entertained with the likes of indoor and outdoor games, and the beach of course! The hotel will also hold a range of outdoor activities such as water aerobics, water polo for kids, a kite festival and beach volleyball which will be followed by a cultural show.

Heritance Ahungalla will also feature live preparation of traditional sweetmeats like kokis and kavum. Food and beverage promotions on milkshakes and smoothies, ice cream etc. will be held while the cuisine will range from Sri Lankan to international.

Another Aitken Spence hotel located by the beach in Kalutara is The Sands that will also showcase a range of traditional activities, games and cuisine starting from 13 April. For ladies who love cooking, The Sands will also hold a pastry and a general cooking demonstration.

Away from the beach and the severity of the sun, at Heritance Kandalama, guests can take in the breathtaking scenery, appreciate the historical value of the property and admire the eco friendly hotel while listening to the sounds of the ‘raban padha’ on 13 April at 9 a.m. which will be followed by mime acts, a kiddies party, a magic and a cultural show and the Avurudu kumari competition. The second day will feature avurudu games along with the previous day’s events.

Over to the scenic city of Kandy, five star hotel Earl’s Regency managed by Aitken Spence will celebrate Avurudu in the most traditional way with Sri Lanka sweetmeats and ‘bulath heppuwa’, with betel leaves and flowers offered to visitors on 12 April.  The next day will start with the offerings of the ‘Avurudu kade’ also known as a tea hut from 11 a.m. onwards followed by a ‘paduru party’ (sing along session) and indoor and outdoor games and competitions. Children will have the choice of watching movies from 9 a.m. and joining in all the games.

On New Year’s day, the hotel will begin the day with the traditional boiling of milk at the lobby followed by food, Raban and avurudu games.

Also located in Kandy, Hotel Hill Top will celebrate Avurudu with all the traditions and avurudu games in the beautiful hill country. Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara and the Bandarawela Hotel will also follow suit.

In Nuwara Eliya, Heritance Tea Factory, a former tea factory in the British era which has now been transformed into a hotel will follow the theme, ‘Avurudu Mangalyaya’ starting from 10 April. They will feature a village tea bar (kopi kade) that will provide a high tea experience Sri Lankan style, a fruit stall consisting of rhubarb, strawberry and avocado and the usual traditional games and activities. The hotel will also have theme nights ranging from Chinese, Italian to Sri Lankan, as well as ‘an action night’.