Learn more about Sri Lankan culture in this New Year Festival hosted at the Rotorua Night Market.
On Thursday 3 April 2025, from 5pm – 9pm, the Rotorua Sri Lankan Association will showcase their colourful culture to our local community in a special event called Avurudu or Puthandu.
Come and enjoy a vibrant cultural event filled with festivities, dancing, music, games and Sri Lankan cuisine.
The festival is celebrated when the sun moves from Pisces to Aries, marking the end of the harvesting season. It is celebrated with a series of traditions, food, and fun games that take place during the day and involve the entire community.
Avurudu is one of the biggest annual cultural events for the Sinhalese and Tamils. It is celebrated at an auspicious time of the day performing religious ceremonies. It is a time where people seek blessings from their elders and monks, relationships are rekindled and everything good in life is celebrated.
The growing community of Sri Lankans in Rotorua are an integral of the Rotorua community, and they are excited for the opportunity to showcase their unique culture, food and crafts to all.
