Sinhala/Tamil New Year

Prayer & Fasting Guide

April 2015

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves,
it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:8-10

The New Year in Sri Lanka is a time to start over new and fresh with hopes of prosperity in the coming year.  The Sinhalese and Tamil cultures celebrate by participating in rituals that span two full days this year (the 14th & 15th), however the festival time is expected to stretch until April 22nd this year.  These rituals are firmly set, detailed and followed closely by those who desperately desire cleansing of their minds and bodies and also seek prosperity in the coming year.  As you read through the details of each ritual, please pray as the Spirit leads.

The times for each ritual are set by an astrologer who determines the exact “auspicious” time so that each ritual can be carried out properly.  Each ritual time is announced by the beating of drums in villages and temples all over the island.  Imagine the sound of the drums.  The people striving for holiness so their family will be blessed with prosperity …. not understanding God’s redemptive plan.  Lost in eternal darkness.

“Punya Kalaya” – Tuesday, April 14th, 7:23 am until 8:11 pm
• This is considered a “neutral” time that is set aside as a time to engage in religious activities (chanting, meditation, visiting the temple, etc.)  Lord, You created each person in Your image.  As Sri Lankans try to clear their minds, in Your grace and mercy, please reveal Yourself to them.
• Ceremonial bath taken to signify the end of the old year and beginning of the New Year.  Herbal oil which signifies cleansing is applied to the body before bathing.  Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse from sin.  Lord, we pray for each person in SL to have the opportunity this year to hear and respond to the gospel.
The New Year official begins – Tuesday, April 14th at 1:47 pm
• Celebrated with firecrackers.  Most men and young boys in SL view the New Year celebrations as a time to have fun with friends and drink alcohol.  Pray for those who will “hit rock bottom” during this time to remember things they’ve heard about Jesus, seek out a believer or find solace in a church.  Pray for lives and families to be transformed by the power of Jesus Christ.



“Aahara Peseema”  - Hearth Lighting & Preparing of Meals – Tuesday, April 14th at 2:05 pm
• Gifts given, wear new clothes.  Most people over extend themselves financially to give gifts.  The lowest credit rate in the country is about 15% with private lenders going much higher.  As people seek financial prosperity in the New Year, but start the New Year with more debt, pray for God to open their eyes to the futility of their beliefs.
• Should cook facing a certain direction wearing the auspicious color. (The Auspicious directions & colors change every year for each ritual.)
• Light the hearth.  Most homes either have indoor hearths or hearths in an outside “kitchen”.  Most burn cinnamon wood with the smoke going up through the roof or chimney.  More prosperous families who don’t have a hearth will make one outside on their concrete patio or the ground.  The average monthly income of a Sri Lankan family is less than $300 (based on 2009 government statistical report.)  A majority of village homes continue to cook with wood since they cannot afford a propane gas burner.  Pray for the poor and rich to be united during this time as everyone participates in cooking the same way.  Pray for Christians to reach out and show the love of Jesus to those who are poor and needy.
• Once the hearth has been lit, a clay pot filled with milk is set over the flame.  If the milk vigorously boils to overflowing, it’s thought that the family will have a prosperous year.   Afterward, “Kiri Bath” (milk rice) is made of a mixture of red or white rice, coconut milk, ghee and jaggery (natural sweetener).  Also, they will prepare sweetmeat with sesame seeds.  Milk rice is a national symbol of peace and prosperity.  Buddhists and Hindus alike rarely concern themselves with the afterlife.  Most of the population doesn’t have the goal of reaching “Nirvanna” or “Enlightenment,”  rather they put their hope in being reincarnated as a richer person than they currently are.  Prosperity in this life is thought to be the direct effect of the former life lived and proof of living of current upright living (Karma).  Father God please break the chains of bondage that enslave this nation to Satan.  Please lead pastors and leaders to educate believers on doctrinal truths about holiness, true prosperity and peace, blessing and persecution.

“Aahara Anubhavaya, Weda Allema & Ganidenu Kireema”
      Starting Work & Partaking of Meals – Tuesday, April 14th at 2:42 pm
• Facing determined auspicious direction wearing auspicious color.
• Together as a family, eat meal of milk rice, sweet meats, fried cakes and local bananas.  ONLY these foods can be eaten at the beginning of the New Year because they are “auspicious” and thought to bring peace, purity, and the blessing of prosperity.  Satan has used superstition to mold this culture into one of fear.  God is love … perfect love drives out fear (portions of 1 John 4:16 & 18).  Lord, pour out Your perfect love on the people of this country. Please break the chains of fear that have crippled this nation for far too long.
• First transaction of the New Year is performed – either give money or make a purchase.
• Set your mind of the belief that this New Year will be prosperous.  Pray for family members who have chosen to become followers of Jesus to boldly share with their family and friends.  Ask God to give them wisdom and allow them to speak to the hearts of each unbelieving family member and friend.

“Hisa thel Gaama” – Anointing the head with oil – Wednesday, April 15th at 9:06 am
• Face auspicious direction and wear auspicious colored clothing.
• Anointing the head with oil.  Traditionally a male elder or even a Buddhist monk or Hindu priest will anoint each person’s head with a mixture of oil and Wood Apple tree leaves while the person stands on Ambul tree leaves under a canopy of Wood Apple tree leaves. The anointing is a type of blessing, thought to purify the body and soul (sanctification).  Lord, we acknowledge that any form of anointing not done in Your name and to those who don’t believe in You is worthless.  Please draw each one to Yourself so they may be purified by Jesus’ sacrifice and experience the fullness of Your many blessings.

Going to work for essential duties only – (This year, this time is not defined.  Bank holidays are April 14 – 15 only.  For common workers, it is expected that they will not return to work until April 22.)
• Before leaving, bathe in a bath of milk rice mixed with milk.  “Who  gave Himself (Jesus)  for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own,  eager to what is good.” Titus 2:14  As the New Year comes to an end, pray for the spiritual emptiness that is still felt to motivate Sri Lankans to seek spiritual truth.  Pray for believers to be obedient to the Spirit’s leading to share the gospel boldly.
• Face auspicious direction wearing auspicious colored clothing.

Going to work for normal duties - Wednesday, April 22th at 6:02 am
• Before leaving, bathe in a bath of milk rice mixed with jaggery (liquid sweetener like maple syrup).  As life returns to a normal routine in Sri Lanka, pray for each Sri Lankan to have the opportunity to hear about Jesus this year.  Pray for many to make the decision to become a follower of Jesus.
• Face auspicious direction wearing auspicious colored clothing.