As the Sun transitions from the celestial realm of Meena Rashiya – Pisces to Mesha Rashiya — Aries, Sri Lanka rejoices in the onset of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year, a profound solar festival deeply intertwined with cultural significance. While Vesak and Poson hold sway as pivotal Buddhist commemorations, aligned with the lunar Poya calendar, the Sinhala New Year, also known as Soorya Mangalya, finds its roots entwined with the rhythms of the Sun and the celestial dance of the solar system.

The pinnacle of the Sinhala and Hindu Avurudu festival is marked by a poignant anointing ceremony, followed by the inaugural bath of the New Year. During this sacred rite, a concoction of oil blended with herbal essence is tenderly applied by the patriarch or matriarch onto the foreheads of family members, accompanied by the melodic recital of revered verses in Pali or Sinhala. Seated upon a pristine white cloth, symbolizing purity and rebirth, participants immerse themselves in this ritual of renewal.

For some, pilgrimage to the nearby temple holds profound significance, where blessings are sought from the esteemed Loku Hamuduruwo. Others pay homage to the venerable indigenous physician or vedamahattaya, whose benevolent wisdom is sought by every soul seeking solace and guidance.

Allow me to reminisce on an anecdote from years past, when a visit to rural cousins unveiled a curious sight at the local temple. Perplexed by the attention lavished upon an elephant, I inquired as to the purpose of such reverence. "It may appear unconventional," my cousin explained, "but it's customary for the elephant owned by a prominent local politician to undergo the anointing ritual during the festive season.

The long-awaited ceremony unfolds with an air of anticipation at the temple grounds, where the priest assumes a peripheral role, yielding to the esteemed 'Prabhu' clan and select dignitaries who wield influence over the Dhayakasabhawa. Adorned with vibrant traditional decorations such as 'gokkola' and 'punkalas,' the temple entrance exudes magnificence and splendor. "And what of the towering platform?" I inquired, gesturing towards the grandiose stage and ramp. "That," my cousin elucidated, "is designed to match the stature of the ten-foot 'Hasthi-Rajaya.' Doesn't she command reverence? Her presence elevates the solemnity and grandeur of the occasion.

In this blend of tradition and spectacle, the Sinhala and Hindu New Year unfolds, a tapestry woven with reverence, community, and the eternal dance of renewal.

The practice of anointing with oil and Nanu (herbal mixture) precedes the ceremonial bath, rooted in the ancient customs of the Kandyan era. In those times, it was orchestrated as a sacred rite under the meticulous supervision of the Royal Nekath Mohottala, while the royal physician meticulously concocted the oil and Nanu.

Crafted from a medley of herbs including Sevendara, Gorochana, beli-mal, kalanduru-ala, kohomba-kola, sandalwood, iriveriya, kumkumappu, and sathsanda, the anointing oil embodies centuries of tradition and therapeutic wisdom. Meanwhile, the composition of Nanu varies annually, its ingredients meticulously chosen by astrologers and typically comprising leaves from Bo, Nuga, Divul, Kohomba, Karadana, or Kumbuk trees, in accordance with the Almanac of the year.

During the ceremony, these same healing leaves are held over the heads and placed beneath the feet of the participants, symbolizing blessings and renewal for the year ahead. Formerly known as Thel Ambul Koona Mangalyaya or Thel Avurudda, the oil anointing ceremony has evolved over time, yet its essence remains deeply rooted in the pursuit of good health and prosperity.

In an agrarian society where physical vitality was indispensable for agricultural labor, such rituals held profound significance in ensuring communal well-being. As the traditional oil lamp was adorned with fragrant jasmine flowers by a bevy of local damsels, clad in charming 'jacket and cloth' attire, Prabhudayakes, including local dignitaries and the treasurer of the Dhayakesabha, took charge of lighting it.

Amidst the festive atmosphere, a playful young man sought to adorn a pretty girl's hair with jasmine blooms, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the proceedings. Within the 'danasalawa,' offerings of kiribath, oil cakes, and plantains awaited, meticulously arranged by the collective efforts of community members.

My cousin elaborated on the contributions, noting the significant support from Dhanapala Mudalali, the local businessman, and the tireless fundraising efforts of the 'Kulangana Samitiya' ladies. In this tapestry of tradition and community spirit, the oil anointing ceremony unfolds, a timeless testament to the enduring legacy of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage.

With the highly anticipated nekatha mere minutes away, the atmosphere brimmed with excitement as the politician, accompanied by esteemed guests, made their grand entrance. Warmly garlanded by the organizers, they were ushered into the inner chamber, where the oil lamp awaited its ceremonial illumination.

Under the scorching sun, a diverse crowd gathered, ranging from young mothers cradling newborns to the elderly and infirm, all eagerly awaiting their turn. Amidst this sea of anticipation, the treasurer's signal prompted the mahout to guide the elephant toward the ramp, prioritizing its auspicious anointment.

As the appointed hour approached, the melodic strains of the Karaneeya Metta Sutta resonated through the air, emanating from a vintage Gramophone. With each passing moment, the queue swelled, prompting the hurried organization of a secondary line by the diligent acolyte.

This is how it goes," my cousin explained, elucidating the established hierarchy where the elite, political affiliates, and business associates, along with the esteemed Prabhu clan, were accorded precedence under the Bhandagarika's directives.

Yet, as time stretched on, curiosity impelled us to investigate the delay, leading us to the heart of the quandary: a debate over the orientation of the ceremony. While tradition dictated a southward facing, the construction of the ramp contradicted this alignment entirely, rendering the elephant's head inaccessible and only its tail within reach.

Faced with this unexpected dilemma, the Nayake Priest voiced his staunch objection, adamant that the oil must be applied to the elephant's head. Despite the reluctance, the businessman conceded, leaving the task to the Bhandagarika.

In the midst of this impasse, a solemn invocation echoed, "Kalu kaputa sudu venaturu—Molgahe daluena turu, Garandiyaata an enathuru, Hal essa pelavena turu—Ekasiyavissata desiyavissak ayuboweva" — a prayer invoking longevity akin to the transformation of a black crow to white, or the sprouting of buds from a rice pounder, illustrating the fervent hope for a life spanning two hundred and twenty, rather than a mere hundred and twenty.

Embedded within Sinhalese culture, Buddhism intertwines with various rituals and customs, manifesting a profound spiritual connection. Among these traditions lies the veneration of Buddha statues, a practice deeply rooted in reverence and mindfulness.

Before the anointing of oil upon individuals, a sacred ritual unfolds: the ceremonial anointing of Naanu, a herbal mixture, upon a mirror reflection of a Buddha statue. This symbolic act mirrors the ancient tradition of adorning Buddha statues with eyes solely through the reflection in a mirror, emphasizing spiritual devotion and connection.

As the head monk or village chief recites sacred verses, invoking blessings upon the gathered devotees, Naanu is delicately applied just above the elephant's tail, amidst a chorus of affirmations from the faithful.

Reflecting on days gone by, an elder shares memories of a time when Naanu was meticulously prepared in the temple, accompanied by the continuous recitation of Pirith by devoted monks, a process spanning ten days preceding the Avurudu.

Yet, amidst these reflections lies a poignant question: are these sacred traditions upheld with sincerity and authenticity in the present day? Are the correct ingredients employed in accordance with tradition?

It's a valid concern, one that underscores the importance of safeguarding cultural and religious practices from the encroachment of external influences, particularly the insidious grasp of 'temple politics.'

Oil Anointing stands as a timeless Avurudu ritual, an integral element of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year, yet its significance risks being eclipsed by the machinations of vested interests. In the face of such challenges, preserving the sanctity of these traditions becomes an imperative, ensuring their continuity for generations to come.

In conclusion, the sacred rituals and cultural practices woven into the fabric of Sinhalese tradition stand as timeless testaments to the enduring spiritual connection between the people and their rich heritage. As we navigate the complexities of modernity, it becomes imperative to safeguard these rituals from the shadows of 'temple politics' and external influences, ensuring their continuation with sincerity and authenticity. May the oil anointing ceremony, rooted in reverence and mindfulness, remain a beacon of spiritual devotion for generations to come, guiding us on a path of cultural preservation and spiritual enlightenment.