Sri Lanka’s government-backed traditional astrologers have failed to unanimously agree on dates for new year rituals, with squabbling seers warning of ‘disaster’ and accusing rivals of misinterpreting the position of stars
In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year are a big deal with lots of traditions. However, this year’s festivities are overshadowed by a celestial dispute between the country’s renowned astrologers.
Sri Lanka’s government-backed traditional astrologers have failed to unanimously agree on dates for new year rituals, with squabbling seers warning of “disaster” and accusing rivals of misinterpreting the position of stars.
What’s the matter?
Sri Lanka’s people have great faith in astrology. Astrologers are hugely influential figures consulted by both the island’s Buddhist and Hindu communities.
Their advice on auspicious dates guides everything from marriages to business deals, and even national elections.
The South Asian country employs a 42-member group of astrologers to decide the date for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, known locally as Aluth Avurudda and Puthandu, respectively, which usually falls in April.
Typically, they reach a consensus on these matters. However, for the first time, they have failed to agree unanimously, leading to public disputes and warnings of potential disaster.
“We discussed very deeply,” said Ananda Seneviratne, the spokesman for the New Year auspicious time committee. “After a lot of deliberations, we finalised the auspicious time through a majority decision.”
The majority set the dawn of the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year on the night of 13 April.
However, not everyone agrees with the decision.
