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NEW DELHI: In Sri Lanka, the onset of the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a significant event marked by various rituals and customs. These practices are deeply rooted in the astrological beliefs of the island’s Buddhist and Hindu communities.
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, known locally as Aluth Avurudda and Puthandu, respectively, is a major cultural festival in Sri Lanka that usually falls in April. Astrologers, who are highly regarded in Sri Lankan society, play a pivotal role in determining the auspicious dates and times for these new year rituals. Their guidance influences not only personal and family events but also national matters such as elections.
The recent squabble among Sri Lanka’s government-backed astrologers over the dates for new year rituals has garnered attention due to the unusual nature of the disagreement. Typically, the 42-member group of astrologers, employed by the cultural affairs ministry, reaches 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.
As per a news report in AFP, the majority of the committee, after extensive discussions, decided on the dawn of the new year to be on the night of April 13. Yet, a dissenting astrologer, Roshan Chanaka, has vocally opposed this decision, claiming that following the official times would lead the country into disaster, even going as far as to say that Sri Lanka “will go up in flames” without providing further details.
This discord among the astrologers is not just a matter of differing opinions but also reflects the significant influence astrology holds in Sri Lankan culture. Astrologers’ predictions and advice are taken seriously, and their disagreement has the potential to cause confusion and concern among the populace. The situation is further complicated by the country’s recent history, as it emerges from its worst economic crisis, which saw months of street protests and the resignation of then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in July 2022.
The current president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is expected to run for re-election later this year, may also be affected by the astrologers’ dispute. The political landscape in Sri Lanka has seen instances where astrological advice has played a role in decision-making. For example, nearly a decade ago, former president Mahinda Rajapaksa called a snap election based on the date advised by his personal astrologer, which resulted in his loss.
The astrologers’ disagreement also raises questions about the role of astrology in governance and decision-making. While astrology is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Sri Lanka, reliance on astrological predictions for national decisions can be controversial. The current dispute highlights the tension between traditional beliefs and modern governance practices.
In conclusion, the squabble among Sri Lankan astrologers over the dates for new year rituals is a reflection of the deep-seated cultural significance of astrology in the country. It underscores the power and influence astrologers wield in society and the potential impact of their disagreements on public life and national affairs. As Sri Lanka navigates its post-crisis recovery and upcoming elections, the role of astrology and its practitioners remains a topic of debate and interest.
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, known locally as Aluth Avurudda and Puthandu, respectively, is a major cultural festival in Sri Lanka that usually falls in April. Astrologers, who are highly regarded in Sri Lankan society, play a pivotal role in determining the auspicious dates and times for these new year rituals. Their guidance influences not only personal and family events but also national matters such as elections.
The recent squabble among Sri Lanka’s government-backed astrologers over the dates for new year rituals has garnered attention due to the unusual nature of the disagreement. Typically, the 42-member group of astrologers, employed by the cultural affairs ministry, reaches 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.
As per a news report in AFP, the majority of the committee, after extensive discussions, decided on the dawn of the new year to be on the night of April 13. Yet, a dissenting astrologer, Roshan Chanaka, has vocally opposed this decision, claiming that following the official times would lead the country into disaster, even going as far as to say that Sri Lanka “will go up in flames” without providing further details.
This discord among the astrologers is not just a matter of differing opinions but also reflects the significant influence astrology holds in Sri Lankan culture. Astrologers’ predictions and advice are taken seriously, and their disagreement has the potential to cause confusion and concern among the populace. The situation is further complicated by the country’s recent history, as it emerges from its worst economic crisis, which saw months of street protests and the resignation of then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in July 2022.
The current president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is expected to run for re-election later this year, may also be affected by the astrologers’ dispute. The political landscape in Sri Lanka has seen instances where astrological advice has played a role in decision-making. For example, nearly a decade ago, former president Mahinda Rajapaksa called a snap election based on the date advised by his personal astrologer, which resulted in his loss.
The astrologers’ disagreement also raises questions about the role of astrology in governance and decision-making. While astrology is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Sri Lanka, reliance on astrological predictions for national decisions can be controversial. The current dispute highlights the tension between traditional beliefs and modern governance practices.
In conclusion, the squabble among Sri Lankan astrologers over the dates for new year rituals is a reflection of the deep-seated cultural significance of astrology in the country. It underscores the power and influence astrologers wield in society and the potential impact of their disagreements on public life and national affairs. As Sri Lanka navigates its post-crisis recovery and upcoming elections, the role of astrology and its practitioners remains a topic of debate and interest.
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