Sri Lanka, April 15 -- The Anointing of Oil ceremony is an important ritual of the Sinhala New Year, symbolizing health, protection, and renewal. On Wednesday, April 15, at 6:54 AM, participants follow age-old customs by applying specially prepared herbal oils.

Dressed in green and facing the East, they place Kohomba leaves on their head and Kolon leaves beneath their feet before the oil is applied. The oil, infused with medicinal Kohomba extracts, is believed to promote physical and spiritual well-being. This ritual is then followed by a cleansing bath, marking a fresh and auspicious start to the New Year.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Daily Mirror Sri Lanka....